The Kennedy Years (1961-1963)

The Election of 1960 John F. Kennedy (Democrat) defeated Richard M. Nixon (Republican). Election decided by series of television debates first Catholic president Inauguration speech “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country Promised landing on moon by end of decade Challenge Soviet bloc to respect human rights

The New Frontier Plan for the future promoted economic expansion by cutting taxes and holding down prices 1962, Kennedy responded to high steel prices by threatening to buy from foreign companies gained federal aid for public schools; increased funding for space program; Housing act provided 5 billion for urban renewal Urban renewal was a response to Michael Harrington’s book “The Other America”

Crisis in Cuba Foreign policy - containment Bay of Pigs (April 1961) cuban exiles invaded island at Bay of Pigs mission collapsed and failed embarrassed Kennedy and CIA

Cuban Missile Crisis Soviet Union placed nuclear weapons in Cuba Kennedy ordered missiles removed US placed an embargo on ships bound for Cuba Crisis ended after two weeks when Soviet agreed to remove weapons on the condition the US removed weapons from Turkey

The Peace Corps help nations fight poverty and disease prevent spread of communism by improving quality of life workers assisted underdeveloped nations Challenges from Soviet Union Berlin Wall Soviets built wall dividing Berlin prevented people from escaping to W. Berlin became symbol of cold war divisions between E and W

Assassination of President Kennedy November 22, 1963 Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas Oswald assassinated by Jack Ruby two days later 1964, the Warren Commission concluded that Oswald acted alone. However, many believe their was a conspiracy Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency