The Kennedy Era

1960s Election Election that changed everything Election that changed everything –John F Kennedy vs. Richard Nixon First election where majority of voters used TV for information First election where majority of voters used TV for information –Live debates televised for the first time –Candidates image was now just as important as their views on politics

1960s Election Both candidates had similar goals, but were very different Both candidates had similar goals, but were very different JFK JFK –Catholic, wealthy family –Outgoing personality –Younger, better looking Nixon Nixon –Quaker, struggling family –Stiff personality –Older, not good looking

1960s election Main issues Main issues Economy Economy –Both shared ideas about improving economy Cold War Cold War –JFK wanted to attack the growing missile gap between USA and Russia –Nixon felt that everything had been going well and they should stay on the same track JFK won the extremely close election JFK won the extremely close election

The Kennedy Mystique America became obsessed with the Kennedy family America became obsessed with the Kennedy family Provided new hope to the changing American society Provided new hope to the changing American society Most Americans believed in his message Most Americans believed in his message Congress did not Congress did not –The New Frontier policies were not getting through Increased aid to education, health insurance to the elderly, Department of Urban Affairs, help migrant workers Increased aid to education, health insurance to the elderly, Department of Urban Affairs, help migrant workers

The Kennedy Mystique Despite struggles with Congress JFK was able to pass many important laws Despite struggles with Congress JFK was able to pass many important laws –Increased our economic growth –Took on many social issues Women’s rights Women’s rights Warren Court Warren Court –Chief Justice Earl Warren Civil Rights, due process, and freedom of religion and speech laws Civil Rights, due process, and freedom of religion and speech laws