The Stormy Sixties 1960-1968. The Election of 1960 The election of 1960 ushered in a new era in American politics The election of 1960 ushered in a new.

The Stormy Sixties 1960-1968

The Election of 1960 The election of 1960 ushered in a new era in American politics The election of 1960 ushered in a new era in American politics Television found it’s place & revolutionized politics Television found it’s place & revolutionized politics The mood of the country was restless in 1960 The mood of the country was restless in 1960 Sputnik, Communism in Cuba, & a perceived missile gap had Americans questioning whether the U.S. was losing the Cold War Sputnik, Communism in Cuba, & a perceived missile gap had Americans questioning whether the U.S. was losing the Cold War The Democrats nominate Massachusetts senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy & the Republicans nominate Vice-President Richard Nixon The Democrats nominate Massachusetts senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy & the Republicans nominate Vice-President Richard Nixon Many voters questioned whether Kennedy at 43 was too inexperienced & were worried about having a Roman Catholic in the White House Many voters questioned whether Kennedy at 43 was too inexperienced & were worried about having a Roman Catholic in the White House Afraid that his faith would bring the Pope into American politics Afraid that his faith would bring the Pope into American politics Instead of dodging the issue Kennedy openly addressed it & by doing so he made it not an issue Instead of dodging the issue Kennedy openly addressed it & by doing so he made it not an issue On Sept. 26, 1960 Kennedy & Nixon squared off in the first ever televised presidential debate On Sept. 26, 1960 Kennedy & Nixon squared off in the first ever televised presidential debate

The Debate 70 million viewers tuned in with 70 million viewers tuned in with millions more listening on radio Nixon an expert on foreign policy had hoped to expose Kennedy’s inexperience Nixon an expert on foreign policy had hoped to expose Kennedy’s inexperience Kennedy had been coached by television producers, wore make-up, was tan and seemed more confident than did Nixon who had just gotten over the flu & wore no make-up Kennedy had been coached by television producers, wore make-up, was tan and seemed more confident than did Nixon who had just gotten over the flu & wore no make-up In post-debate polls radio listeners said that Nixon won the debate but when television viewers were polled they said that Kennedy had won the In post-debate polls radio listeners said that Nixon won the debate but when television viewers were polled they said that Kennedy had won thedebate

Kennedy and Civil Rights The second major event of the campaign took place in October The second major event of the campaign took place in October Police in Atlanta, Georgia arrested civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & 33 other African-American demonstrators for sitting at a segregated lunch counter Police in Atlanta, Georgia arrested civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & 33 other African-American demonstrators for sitting at a segregated lunch counter The demonstrators were released but King was sentenced to months of hard labor supposedly for a minor traffic violation The demonstrators were released but King was sentenced to months of hard labor supposedly for a minor traffic violation Pres. Eisenhower refused to intervene & so VP Nixon took no public stance on the issue Pres. Eisenhower refused to intervene & so VP Nixon took no public stance on the issue Senator John Kennedy telephoned King’s wife Coretta Scott King to express his sympathy while JFK’s brother Robert Kennedy persuaded the judge to release King on bail Senator John Kennedy telephoned King’s wife Coretta Scott King to express his sympathy while JFK’s brother Robert Kennedy persuaded the judge to release King on bail This news traveled fast in the African-American community & secured many votes for Kennedy that would be crucial in the tight election This news traveled fast in the African-American community & secured many votes for Kennedy that would be crucial in the tight election Martin Luther King Jr. Coretta Scott King

The Election The election of Nov. 1960 was the closest since 1884 The election of Nov. 1960 was the closest since 1884 Senator Kennedy won by fewer than 119,000 votes Senator Kennedy won by fewer than 119,000 votes There were many close states & debatable results There were many close states & debatable results Many believe that Mayor Daley of Chicago used his mafia connections to fix the elections in that city & swung the state of Illinois in favor of Kennedy, sealing the election Many believe that Mayor Daley of Chicago used his mafia connections to fix the elections in that city & swung the state of Illinois in favor of Kennedy, sealing the election Despite these mysterious events Vice-President Nixon choose not to drag it out by asking for a recount Despite these mysterious events Vice-President Nixon choose not to drag it out by asking for a recount Senator Kennedy became the President of the United States Senator Kennedy became the President of the United States

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

JFK becomes the youngest man ever JFK becomes the youngest man ever elected to the White House Born into a wealthy Irish-Catholic family Born into a wealthy Irish-Catholic family Dad was a well known businessman Dad was a well known businessman Educated at Harvard Educated at Harvard Served in the Navy in WWII Served in the Navy in WWII Married with 2 kids Married with 2 kids Kennedy challenged Americans to face the future with confidence Kennedy challenged Americans to face the future with confidence In his inaugural address he set the tone for his policies In his inaugural address he set the tone for his policies Domestically: “ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” Domestically: “ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” Foreign Policy: “We will pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty” Foreign Policy: “We will pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty” Left: JFK with Jackie Below: a young JFK aboard PT 109 during World War II

The New Frontier 1961-1963 JFK’s policies and programs were called the “New Frontier” JFK’s policies and programs were called the “New Frontier” Kennedy surrounds himself with the best and the brightest Kennedy surrounds himself with the best and the brightest Advisors from Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT) who became known as the “Wiz Kids” because most were young Advisors from Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT) who became known as the “Wiz Kids” because most were young Robert McNamara (Sec. of Defense) President of Ford Motor Co. Robert McNamara (Sec. of Defense) President of Ford Motor Co. Dean Rusk (Sec. of State) President of the Rockefeller foundation Dean Rusk (Sec. of State) President of the Rockefeller foundation Robert Kennedy (Attorney General) Robert Kennedy (Attorney General) McGeorge Bundy (National Security Advisor) a Harvard dean McGeorge Bundy (National Security Advisor) a Harvard dean One of JFK’s first programs was the Peace Corps One of JFK’s first programs was the Peace Corps Young eager volunteers sent overseas to poor nations to help Young eager volunteers sent overseas to poor nations to help They attempted to win the “hearts and minds” of poor nations away from the communists They attempted to win the “hearts and minds” of poor nations away from the communists Most of Kennedy’s presidency however was defined by Foreign Policy and the Cold War Most of Kennedy’s presidency however was defined by Foreign Policy and the Cold War Sec. of Defense Robert McNamara Attorney General Robert Kennedy

The Camelot Years 1961-1963 President Kennedy with his daughter Caroline Pres. Kennedy with son John Jr.

Camelot The Kennedy family fascinated the public more than any other first family The Kennedy family fascinated the public more than any other first family They were young & energetic with a young family unlike many prior presidents They were young & energetic with a young family unlike many prior presidents Kennedy was one of the first presidents to appear regularly on television Kennedy was one of the first presidents to appear regularly on television The Kennedy’s entertained many famous guests from Hollywood, sports, etc… The Kennedy’s entertained many famous guests from Hollywood, sports, etc… Newspapers and magazines filled with stories & pictures of President Kennedy’s daughter Caroline & infant son John Newspapers and magazines filled with stories & pictures of President Kennedy’s daughter Caroline & infant son John Jackie became the national fashion queen & women tried to imitate her style Jackie became the national fashion queen & women tried to imitate her style Jackie spent much of her time renovating & decorating the White House Jackie spent much of her time renovating & decorating the White House With JFK’s glamour & young advisors it reminded people of a modern day version of Camelot, the mythical court of King Arthur With JFK’s glamour & young advisors it reminded people of a modern day version of Camelot, the mythical court of King Arthur

Kennedy’s transgressions Despite the public image of Camelot, in the Kennedy household all was not well Despite the public image of Camelot, in the Kennedy household all was not well Pres. Kennedy who had been injured in WWII & had a notoriously bad back, took an assortment of drugs, steroids & pain killers to cope Pres. Kennedy who had been injured in WWII & had a notoriously bad back, took an assortment of drugs, steroids & pain killers to cope The Kennedy family had many connections including many Hollywood celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford (Kennedy’s brother-in-law), etc… The Kennedy family had many connections including many Hollywood celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford (Kennedy’s brother-in-law), etc… John F. Kennedy whose sex drive was believed to be heightened by the steroids & drugs he was taking often used these connections to meet many actresses John F. Kennedy whose sex drive was believed to be heightened by the steroids & drugs he was taking often used these connections to meet many actresses Kennedy had many one night stands & a few affairs during his marriage to Jackie Kennedy had many one night stands & a few affairs during his marriage to Jackie The most famous of these affairs was with famous actress & model Marilynn Monroe The most famous of these affairs was with famous actress & model Marilynn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe became the blonde American bombshell of the 50’s & 60’s Marilyn Monroe became the blonde American bombshell of the 50’s & 60’s She married one of her producers but was most famous for her later marriage to retired baseball legend and American icon Joe DiMaggio She married one of her producers but was most famous for her later marriage to retired baseball legend and American icon Joe DiMaggio After a very brief marriage Monroe & DiMaggio divorced After a very brief marriage Monroe & DiMaggio divorced After being introduced to After being introduced to John Kennedy she and JFK had a brief affair before Kennedy called it off to avoid a public scandal

J. Edgar Hoover & the FBI J. Edgar Hoover was the head of the Federal Bureau of J. Edgar Hoover was the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation & carried a great deal of power with that position Hoover despised the Kennedy’s especially JFK’s brother Robert Hoover despised the Kennedy’s especially JFK’s brother Robert who as the Attorney General dealt a great deal with Hoover Hoover had been accustomed to having a great deal of influence Hoover had been accustomed to having a great deal of influence over Attorney Generals RFK’s relationship with his brother forced Hoover to lose power RFK’s relationship with his brother forced Hoover to lose power Robert Kennedy also was involved in the vigorous campaign against organized crime that reached all the way to Jimmy Hoffa the leader of the Teamsters Union Robert Kennedy also was involved in the vigorous campaign against organized crime that reached all the way to Jimmy Hoffa the leader of the Teamsters Union Hoover & the FBI had fostered a relationship with some of organized crime in order to fight other crimes Hoover & the FBI had fostered a relationship with some of organized crime in order to fight other crimes Hoover did wield some power over the Kennedy’s Hoover did wield some power over the Kennedy’s His FBI files included embarrassing information about Kennedy’s transgressions His FBI files included embarrassing information about Kennedy’s transgressions This information caused Kennedy to give in to Hoover’s pressure & allowed the FBI to put illegal wire taps on Martin Luther King’s phones This information caused Kennedy to give in to Hoover’s pressure & allowed the FBI to put illegal wire taps on Martin Luther King’s phones J. Edgar Hoover

Flexible Response During his presidential campaign JFK had attacked the Eisenhower administration for not doing enough about the Soviet threat During his presidential campaign JFK had attacked the Eisenhower administration for not doing enough about the Soviet threat The Soviets were gaining loyalties with less-developed third world countries in Asia, Africa, & Latin America The Soviets were gaining loyalties with less-developed third world countries in Asia, Africa, & Latin America The U.S. policy under Eisenhower was known as Massive Retaliation The U.S. policy under Eisenhower was known as Massive Retaliation This policy called for the U.S. to use the threat of nuclear weapons to deter communist aggression This policy called for the U.S. to use the threat of nuclear weapons to deter communist aggression President Kennedy changed the U.S. policy to that of Flexible Response President Kennedy changed the U.S. policy to that of Flexible Response Flexible Response called for the U.S. to respond to communist aggression based upon the level of the aggression Flexible Response called for the U.S. to respond to communist aggression based upon the level of the aggression Allowed the U.S. to use conventional forces to avoid nuclear war Allowed the U.S. to use conventional forces to avoid nuclear war Kennedy then increased defense spending in order to boost conventional military forces (troops, ships, artillery, air force) & created the Special Forces (Green Berets) Kennedy then increased defense spending in order to boost conventional military forces (troops, ships, artillery, air force) & created the Special Forces (Green Berets) Kennedy also tripled the nuclear capabilities of the U.S. Kennedy also tripled the nuclear capabilities of the U.S.

The Berlin Wall In 1961 Berlin was in great turmoil In 1961 Berlin was in great turmoil In the 11 years since the Berlin Airlift 3 million East Germans In the 11 years since the Berlin Airlift 3 million East Germans (20% of their population) had fled to West Berlin to free themselves of Communism These defections were publicly humiliating to the communists These defections were publicly humiliating to the communists & was also seriously hurting their economy The Soviets wanted Berlin all to themselves but realized that the U.S. would not give it up & so Khrushchev threatened to once again close off all access roads to West Berlin The Soviets wanted Berlin all to themselves but realized that the U.S. would not give it up & so Khrushchev threatened to once again close off all access roads to West Berlin President Kennedy refused to give up U.S. access prompting Khrushchev to angrily declare that “I want peace. But, if you want war, that is your problem” President Kennedy refused to give up U.S. access prompting Khrushchev to angrily declare that “I want peace. But, if you want war, that is your problem” Pres. Kennedy returned to the U.S. & made a public speech declaring that “Berlin was the great testing place of Western courage & will” he pledged “We cannot and will not permit the Communists to drive us out of Berlin” Pres. Kennedy returned to the U.S. & made a public speech declaring that “Berlin was the great testing place of Western courage & will” he pledged “We cannot and will not permit the Communists to drive us out of Berlin” Kennedy also in his speech hinted that the U.S. would permit a wall to be built by the Soviets Kennedy also in his speech hinted that the U.S. would permit a wall to be built by the Soviets Better a wall than a war Better a wall than a war

The Berlin Wall

Kennedy’s determination & America’s superior nuclear power prevented Khrushchev from closing air & land routes Kennedy’s determination & America’s superior nuclear power prevented Khrushchev from closing air & land routes Khrushchev instead began constructing a wall just after midnight on August 13, 1961 Khrushchev instead began constructing a wall just after midnight on August 13, 1961 East German troops began unloading concrete posts & rolls of barbed wire separating East Berlin from West Berlin East German troops began unloading concrete posts & rolls of barbed wire separating East Berlin from West Berlin Over the years the wall became more elaborate & in many places concrete replaced barbed wire Over the years the wall became more elaborate & in many places concrete replaced barbed wire Armed sentries patrolled the fence to prevent people from defecting Armed sentries patrolled the fence to prevent people from defecting The Wall severely limited the number of East Germans defecting to the West The Wall severely limited the number of East Germans defecting to the West It became a symbol of communist oppression It became a symbol of communist oppression

Brandenburg Gate

Ich bin ein Berliner In an attempt to solidify relations with West Germany & prove that the U.S. had no intention of abandoning them President Kennedy made a trip to West Berlin In an attempt to solidify relations with West Germany & prove that the U.S. had no intention of abandoning them President Kennedy made a trip to West Berlin He & his wife Jackie were extremely well received on this Europe wide tour He & his wife Jackie were extremely well received on this Europe wide tour In a famous address JFK announced to a jubilant crowd that “Ich bin ein Berliner” meaning “I am a Berliner” In a famous address JFK announced to a jubilant crowd that “Ich bin ein Berliner” meaning “I am a Berliner”

Cuba President Eisenhower had cut off diplomatic relations with Cuba in late 1960 because their new leader Fidel Castro was a self proclaimed communist & welcomed aid from the Soviet Union President Eisenhower had cut off diplomatic relations with Cuba in late 1960 because their new leader Fidel Castro was a self proclaimed communist & welcomed aid from the Soviet Union Eisenhower also began to assemble Cuban Exiles for a possible overthrow of Castro’s regime Eisenhower also began to assemble Cuban Exiles for a possible overthrow of Castro’s regime In March of 1960 Pres. In March of 1960 Pres. Eisenhower gave the CIA permission to secretly train these exiles for an invasion of Cuba

The Bay of Pigs President Kennedy learned of this plan only 9 days after his election President Kennedy learned of this plan only 9 days after his election Reluctantly Kennedy approved this plan Reluctantly Kennedy approved this plan On April 17, 1961 approximately 1,300-1,500 Cuban exiles landed on the islands southern coast at Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) On April 17, 1961 approximately 1,300-1,500 Cuban exiles landed on the islands southern coast at Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) The attack went poorly from the beginning The attack went poorly from the beginning An air strike failed to knock out the Cuban air force, a small diversionary force failed to land An air strike failed to knock out the Cuban air force, a small diversionary force failed to land When the main force landed it faced 25,000 Cuban troops backed by Soviet tanks & jet aircrafts When the main force landed it faced 25,000 Cuban troops backed by Soviet tanks & jet aircrafts Thousands of Cuban nationalists were slaughtered; the rest imprisoned Thousands of Cuban nationalists were slaughtered; the rest imprisoned Cubans sensationalized the defeat of the “North American mercenaries” Cubans sensationalized the defeat of the “North American mercenaries” One United States commentator observed that One United States commentator observed that Americans “look like fools to our friends, rascals to our enemies, and incompetents to every one else” President Kennedy publicly accepted blame for the President Kennedy publicly accepted blame for the event but privately blamed the CIA and the Pentagon Kennedy negotiated the release of the surviving Kennedy negotiated the release of the surviving commandos and paid a ransom of $53 million in food and medical supplies

The Cuban Missile Crisis By 1962 Castro had firmly allied himself with Moscow & Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev By 1962 Castro had firmly allied himself with Moscow & Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev The Soviet Union began sending nuclear weapons to defend Cuba The Soviet Union began sending nuclear weapons to defend Cuba On October 14 of 1962 On October 14 of 1962 the U.S. became aware of this when a U2 spy plane photographed missile sites in Cuba From Cuba these missiles From Cuba these missiles could reach Wash. D.C. in 10 minutes

The Cuban Missile Crisis

On Oct. 22, 1962 President Kennedy announced to On Oct. 22, 1962 President Kennedy announced to the nation the existence of Soviet missile sites in Cuba He made it clear that any missile attack from Cuba He made it clear that any missile attack from Cuba would trigger an all out attack on the Soviet Union For the next 6 days the world would be at the brink For the next 6 days the world would be at the brink of nuclear war Kennedy had to make a decision on how the U.S. Kennedy had to make a decision on how the U.S. should react to this event without starting WW 3 The U.S. couldn’t allow the weapons to stay in Cuba The U.S. couldn’t allow the weapons to stay in Cuba & had a limited amount of time to get them out before they could become operational U.S. could launch a full scale invasion of Cuba & prompt the Soviet Union to invade Berlin starting WWIII U.S. could launch a full scale invasion of Cuba & prompt the Soviet Union to invade Berlin starting WWIII The U.S. could try to negotiate with the U.S.S.R. for a removal but the Soviets would only stall till the missiles were operational The U.S. could try to negotiate with the U.S.S.R. for a removal but the Soviets would only stall till the missiles were operational U.S. could launch air strikes & destroy the sights they knew about risking leaving unknown sites & risking nuclear war & the Soviets could install more sites U.S. could launch air strikes & destroy the sights they knew about risking leaving unknown sites & risking nuclear war & the Soviets could install more sites

Possible Invasion

Quarantine While the U.S. figured out this dilemma they instituted a quarantine of Cuba While the U.S. figured out this dilemma they instituted a quarantine of Cuba This was basically a blockade of Cuba but under international law a blockade of another nation was an act of war so they simply called it something else to sound better in world opinion This was basically a blockade of Cuba but under international law a blockade of another nation was an act of war so they simply called it something else to sound better in world opinion Soviet ships carrying more missiles to Cuba were stopped 500 miles away from Cuba Soviet ships carrying more missiles to Cuba were stopped 500 miles away from Cuba In Florida the U.S. began to assemble an invasion fleet of 100,000 troops In Florida the U.S. began to assemble an invasion fleet of 100,000 troops The first Soviet ships were steaming towards the quarantine line with no indication of stopping The first Soviet ships were steaming towards the quarantine line with no indication of stopping In a high seas game of chicken the Soviet ship was protected by a Soviet submarine & heading toward the line In a high seas game of chicken the Soviet ship was protected by a Soviet submarine & heading toward the line The U.S. fired a warning shot over the ship & at the last second the ship suddenly stopped & turned around, avoiding a conflict at sea The U.S. fired a warning shot over the ship & at the last second the ship suddenly stopped & turned around, avoiding a conflict at sea Sec. of State Dean Rusk said “We are eyeball to eyeball, and the other fellow just blinked” Sec. of State Dean Rusk said “We are eyeball to eyeball, and the other fellow just blinked”

The United Nations Throughout the Crisis the U.S. had been pleading their case in the UN Throughout the Crisis the U.S. had been pleading their case in the UN As U.S. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson lobbied, the Soviet Ambassador ignored the charges As U.S. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson lobbied, the Soviet Ambassador ignored the charges Finally Stevenson pressed the Soviets & forced them to deny the charges that such missile sites existed Finally Stevenson pressed the Soviets & forced them to deny the charges that such missile sites existed Stevenson then produced evidence of the missiles sights to the world & the amazement of the bewildered Soviet ambassador Stevenson then produced evidence of the missiles sights to the world & the amazement of the bewildered Soviet ambassador Public opinion favors the U.S. Public opinion favors the U.S. Above & Below: UN Rep Adlai Stevenson producing visual evidence of the existence of the missile sites

Back channel dealings As Pres. Kennedy agonized over what to do a local As Pres. Kennedy agonized over what to do a local reporter approached Kennedy when one of his sources had contacted him with a proposed deal from Premier Khrushchev In this deal Premier Khrushchev offered to remove In this deal Premier Khrushchev offered to remove the missiles in return for an American pledge not to invade Cuba and the removal of missiles from Turkey Pres. Kennedy & his staff had to figure out if these back Pres. Kennedy & his staff had to figure out if these back channel negotiations were legitimate A day later an official telegram from Moscow offered a A day later an official telegram from Moscow offered a similar proposal but with harsher demands in Turkey Pres. Kennedy’s dilemma lied in the fact that if he publicly Pres. Kennedy’s dilemma lied in the fact that if he publicly agreed to these demands & removed the missiles from Turkey he would be seen as abandoning his allies in exchange for U.S. security The Joint Chiefs of Staff (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force) pushed for full scale military effort against Cuba The Joint Chiefs of Staff (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force) pushed for full scale military effort against Cuba During this time the U.S. made low level flights over Cuba to get a better idea as to the state of readiness of the missiles During this time the U.S. made low level flights over Cuba to get a better idea as to the state of readiness of the missiles These flights were dangerous b/c the Soviets were trying to shoot them down & any incident could insight WW3 These flights were dangerous b/c the Soviets were trying to shoot them down & any incident could insight WW3 During the last of these flights an American was shot down & killed During the last of these flights an American was shot down & killed Low level flight photo of the missile site taken by Commander Ecker

The Brink Finally President Kennedy decided to Finally President Kennedy decided to accept the Soviets first offer & ignore the second offer He sent his brother Attorney General He sent his brother Attorney General Robert Kennedy to meet with the Soviet Ambassador to try to reach an agreement The U.S. agreed to the pledge not to invade Cuba again & promised to remove the missiles (which were out of date anyway) from Turkey at a later date The U.S. agreed to the pledge not to invade Cuba again & promised to remove the missiles (which were out of date anyway) from Turkey at a later date the second part of this agreement was to be kept secret & any mention of the agreement by the Soviets would negate the deal the second part of this agreement was to be kept secret & any mention of the agreement by the Soviets would negate the deal The Soviets reluctantly agreed The Soviets reluctantly agreed Attorney General Robert Kennedy

The Aftermath The Crisis severely damaged Khrushchev’s prestige in the Soviet Union & the world The Crisis severely damaged Khrushchev’s prestige in the Soviet Union & the world Pres. Kennedy received heat as well Pres. Kennedy received heat as well Opinion varied over the event the crisis coupled with the fiasco of the Bay of Pigs, some people doubted Kennedy’s ability in foreign policy yet others pointed to this as an example of success in foreign policy Opinion varied over the event the crisis coupled with the fiasco of the Bay of Pigs, some people doubted Kennedy’s ability in foreign policy yet others pointed to this as an example of success in foreign policy Some were upset that Kennedy didn’t use this opportunity to drive communism out of Cuba Some were upset that Kennedy didn’t use this opportunity to drive communism out of Cuba Regardless of public opinion the world had been to the brink of nuclear war & not fell over the edge Regardless of public opinion the world had been to the brink of nuclear war & not fell over the edge Any mistake by the thousands of humans that made decisions during the two weeks of this crisis could have set in motion a nuclear war Any mistake by the thousands of humans that made decisions during the two weeks of this crisis could have set in motion a nuclear war

Cuban Missile Crisis

Hot Line After the seriousness of the Cuban Missile Crisis both Kennedy & Khrushchev understood that only split-second decisions separated the world from nuclear disaster After the seriousness of the Cuban Missile Crisis both Kennedy & Khrushchev understood that only split-second decisions separated the world from nuclear disaster In 1963 the two world leaders decided to establish a hot line between the White House & the Kremlin to allow the two countries to communicate directly with each other in case of another such crisis In 1963 the two world leaders decided to establish a hot line between the White House & the Kremlin to allow the two countries to communicate directly with each other in case of another such crisis Also in 1963 the U.S. & the U.S.S.R. agreed to a Limited Test Ban Treaty that barred nuclear testing in the atmosphere Also in 1963 the U.S. & the U.S.S.R. agreed to a Limited Test Ban Treaty that barred nuclear testing in the atmosphere To prevent nuclear fallout from traveling around the globe To prevent nuclear fallout from traveling around the globe Above: Kennedy meeting w/ Soviet ambassador Above & Below: Kennedy w/ Khrushchev

The New Frontier With Kennedy’s youth & vigor he inspired hope & energy into the country With Kennedy’s youth & vigor he inspired hope & energy into the country In his inauguration he stated that “We stand today at the edge of a New Frontier” he called Americans to be “new pioneers” and to explore “uncharted areas of science and space, … unconquered pockets of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of poverty and surplus” In his inauguration he stated that “We stand today at the edge of a New Frontier” he called Americans to be “new pioneers” and to explore “uncharted areas of science and space, … unconquered pockets of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of poverty and surplus” Despite these ideals Pres. Kennedy struggled to get new program proposals through a conservative Republican & Southern Democratic congress (medical care for the aged, aid education, etc…) Despite these ideals Pres. Kennedy struggled to get new program proposals through a conservative Republican & Southern Democratic congress (medical care for the aged, aid education, etc…) Kennedy forever the politician tried to play it safe politically but was able to get funding for defense, the space program, & international aid Kennedy forever the politician tried to play it safe politically but was able to get funding for defense, the space program, & international aid As part of his deficit spending package Kennedy was also able to increase the minimum wage to $1.25 an hour & extend unemployment insurance As part of his deficit spending package Kennedy was also able to increase the minimum wage to $1.25 an hour & extend unemployment insurance

The Peace Corps In 1961 Pres. Kennedy fulfilled his first campaign promise when he established the Peace Corps, an organization to provide volunteers to help in impoverished nations of Asia, Africa, & Latin America to win the “hearts & minds” of those people as to prevent the communist influence there In 1961 Pres. Kennedy fulfilled his first campaign promise when he established the Peace Corps, an organization to provide volunteers to help in impoverished nations of Asia, Africa, & Latin America to win the “hearts & minds” of those people as to prevent the communist influence there Most volunteers for the Peace Corps were just out of college & worked as teachers, agricultural advisors, health aides in these countries Most volunteers for the Peace Corps were just out of college & worked as teachers, agricultural advisors, health aides in these countries By 1968 over 35,000 volunteers had served in 60 nations By 1968 over 35,000 volunteers had served in 60 nations The Alliance for Progress offered economic & technical assistance to Latin American countries The Alliance for Progress offered economic & technical assistance to Latin American countries From 1961 to 1969 the U.S. invested $12 billion in L. America to prevent another Cuba from invading the Western hemisphere From 1961 to 1969 the U.S. invested $12 billion in L. America to prevent another Cuba from invading the Western hemisphere

Race to the Moon On April 12, 1961 Soviet cosmonaut On April 12, 1961 Soviet cosmonaut Yuri A. Gagarin became the first human in space Less than a month later the U.S. duplicated Less than a month later the U.S. duplicated the feat Next the U.S. launched a communications Next the U.S. launched a communications satellite called Telstar that could relay live television pictures across the Atlantic ocean The U.S. had begun construction on new The U.S. had begun construction on new NASA facilities on Cape Canaveral, Florida & a mission control center in Houston, Texas 7 years later the space program would pay off when on July 20, 1969 U.S. astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the surface of the moon 7 years later the space program would pay off when on July 20, 1969 U.S. astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the surface of the moon The Space industry provided billions of dollars to American business & industry The Space industry provided billions of dollars to American business & industry Research done by this industry also provided the American public with many new consumer goods Research done by this industry also provided the American public with many new consumer goods Pres. Kennedy with astronaut John Glenn

Poverty in America While $ was spent on the space program & on international aid many people lived in poverty While $ was spent on the space program & on international aid many people lived in poverty This problem was brought to the attention of America when Michael Harrington wrote the book The Other America which profiled the 50 million Americans that lived on less than $1,000 a person This problem was brought to the attention of America when Michael Harrington wrote the book The Other America which profiled the 50 million Americans that lived on less than $1,000 a person Most Americans were shocked at the large number of people in poverty Most Americans were shocked at the large number of people in poverty Kennedy had spent much of the first two years of his presidency on foreign policy now with the election nearing he began to spend more time on domestic issues Kennedy had spent much of the first two years of his presidency on foreign policy now with the election nearing he began to spend more time on domestic issues Kennedy began a “national assault on the causes of poverty” & had his brother Robert Kennedy (Attorney General) begin to investigate racial injustices in the South & presented Congress with a new civil rights bill and a proposed $10 billion dollar tax cut Kennedy began a “national assault on the causes of poverty” & had his brother Robert Kennedy (Attorney General) begin to investigate racial injustices in the South & presented Congress with a new civil rights bill and a proposed $10 billion dollar tax cut Above: JFK meeting with Martin Luther King Jr. Below: JFK giving his State of the Union address

Civil Rights in America

In the United States in the 1960’s segregation was the law of the land In the United States in the 1960’s segregation was the law of the land State sanctioned discrimination had perpetuated hate & racial bigotry in the south since the end of reconstruction State sanctioned discrimination had perpetuated hate & racial bigotry in the south since the end of reconstruction Businesses, restaurants, water fountains, public transportation, movie theaters, schools were all segregated into black & white Businesses, restaurants, water fountains, public transportation, movie theaters, schools were all segregated into black & white Jim Crow laws such as literacy tests, poll taxes, & basic discrimination had prevented millions of African-Americans from not only voting but even registering to vote in the south Jim Crow laws such as literacy tests, poll taxes, & basic discrimination had prevented millions of African-Americans from not only voting but even registering to vote in the south The years of discrimination & repression of opportunities had forced the overwhelming number of African-Americans into a state of poverty & despair The years of discrimination & repression of opportunities had forced the overwhelming number of African-Americans into a state of poverty & despair Being treated as inferior and having unequal education and being denied access to jobs & resources had kept most A-A from advancing financially in the south Being treated as inferior and having unequal education and being denied access to jobs & resources had kept most A-A from advancing financially in the south

Civil Rights As part of the non-violence movement in February of 1960 the SNCC (Student Non-Violence Coordinating Committee) organized African-American students from North Carolina’s Agricultural and Technical College to stage a sit-in at a whites only lunch counter at a Woolworth’s store in Greensboro As part of the non-violence movement in February of 1960 the SNCC (Student Non-Violence Coordinating Committee) organized African-American students from North Carolina’s Agricultural and Technical College to stage a sit-in at a whites only lunch counter at a Woolworth’s store in Greensboro These sit ins were covered on television & suddenly the whole country was able to see the realities of racism in America These sit ins were covered on television & suddenly the whole country was able to see the realities of racism in America Day after day news reporters captured the scenes of beatings, verbal abuse, humiliation of food being Day after day news reporters captured the scenes of beatings, verbal abuse, humiliation of food being dumped on students who refused to fight back As more people became aware of the issue As more people became aware of the issue more sit-ins were organized even in the north Stores removed counter seats, raised the price Stores removed counter seats, raised the price of food, & brought in the police but nothing worked Above: Woolworth store Below: Sit-in at the white only lunch counter

Sit-Ins

Freedom Riders In 1961 a groups of civil rights activists (white & black) decided to draw attention to the failures of the Supreme Court decision that banned segregation on all interstate buses & bus terminals In 1961 a groups of civil rights activists (white & black) decided to draw attention to the failures of the Supreme Court decision that banned segregation on all interstate buses & bus terminals They planned a two bus trip that would test this law They planned a two bus trip that would test this law The first bus ran into violence at the Alabama line when it was stopped by white racists carrying chains, brass knuckles, & clubs The first bus ran into violence at the Alabama line when it was stopped by white racists carrying chains, brass knuckles, & clubs The riders were brutally beaten but carried on to Birmingham The riders were brutally beaten but carried on to Birmingham The second bus ran into trouble in Anniston, Alabama when 200 angry whites attacked it The second bus ran into trouble in Anniston, Alabama when 200 angry whites attacked it The mob followed the bus out of town and blew one of the tires out of the bus The mob followed the bus out of town and blew one of the tires out of the bus They smashed the windows and tossed a fire They smashed the windows and tossed a fire bomb into it The freedom riders escaped just moments The freedom riders escaped just moments before the bus exploded The bus company refused to take the The bus company refused to take the freedom riders any farther A group of SNCC volunteers in Nashville A group of SNCC volunteers in Nashville decided to pick up were the others stopped & rode into Birmingham again

Freedom Riders When this new band of Freedom Riders When this new band of Freedom Riders entered Birmingham policemen pulled them from the bus, beat them, & drove them back to Tennessee The riders returned to their bus in The riders returned to their bus in Birmingham but the driver refused to transport them The riders then occupied the “whites only” The riders then occupied the “whites only” waiting room for 18 hours until Attorney General Robert Kennedy convinced the bus company to transport them The Freedom Riders then continued on to Montgomery The Freedom Riders then continued on to Montgomery Alabama officials promised RFK that the riders would be protected Alabama officials promised RFK that the riders would be protected However when they arrived they were greeted by a mob of angry whites only carrying bats & lead pipes However when they arrived they were greeted by a mob of angry whites only carrying bats & lead pipes John Doer a Justice Department official was with them in Montgomery & witnessed the beatings, being beaten himself John Doer a Justice Department official was with them in Montgomery & witnessed the beatings, being beaten himself Bloodied Freedom Riders

Freedom Riders The violence provoked the response the freedom riders wanted The violence provoked the response the freedom riders wanted Newspapers around the nation and abroad denounced the beatings Newspapers around the nation and abroad denounced the beatings President Kennedy arranged to give the freedom riders direct support President Kennedy arranged to give the freedom riders direct support The Justice Department sent 400 U.S. marshals to protect the riders for the rest of their journey to Jackson, Mississippi The Justice Department sent 400 U.S. marshals to protect the riders for the rest of their journey to Jackson, Mississippi As a result of all this the Interstate Commerce Commission banned segregation in all interstate travel facilities, including waiting rooms, restrooms, and lunch counters As a result of all this the Interstate Commerce Commission banned segregation in all interstate travel facilities, including waiting rooms, restrooms, and lunch counters

Civil Rights In September of 1962 Air Force veteran James Meredith won a federal court case that allowed him to enroll in the all-white University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) In September of 1962 Air Force veteran James Meredith won a federal court case that allowed him to enroll in the all-white University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) When Meredith arrived on campus, Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett refused to allow him to register as a student When Meredith arrived on campus, Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett refused to allow him to register as a student Pres. Kennedy ordered federal marshals to escort Meredith Pres. Kennedy ordered federal marshals to escort Meredith Gov. Barnett made a radio address that called for “every Mississippian to keep his faith and courage. We will never surrender.” Gov. Barnett made a radio address that called for “every Mississippian to keep his faith and courage. We will never surrender.” White demonstrators showed up by the thousands White demonstrators showed up by the thousands On Sept. 30 riots broke out on campus resulting in 2 deaths On Sept. 30 riots broke out on campus resulting in 2 deaths It took thousands of soldiers & 15 hours to stop the rioters It took thousands of soldiers & 15 hours to stop the rioters In the next several months federal officials accompanied Meredith to class & protected his family whose house was shot at In the next several months federal officials accompanied Meredith to class & protected his family whose house was shot at Federal officials escorting James Meredith at Ole Miss

Birmingham In the 1960’s Birmingham, Alabama was the most segregated city in America In the 1960’s Birmingham, Alabama was the most segregated city in America Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth felt that it would be the perfect place to make a stand & test non-violence Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth felt that it would be the perfect place to make a stand & test non-violence On April 12, 1963 Martin Luther King was arresting during a demonstration On April 12, 1963 Martin Luther King was arresting during a demonstration While in jail king wrote a famous open letter titled “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” While in jail king wrote a famous open letter titled “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” “I guess it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging “I guess it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, Wait.” But when you have darts of segregation to say, Wait.” But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at whim; when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick, brutalize and even kill your black brothers and sisters;… when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in the air-tight cage of poverty; … when you have to concoct an answer for a five-year-old son asking…’Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?’…then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait.” Above: MLK with family

Birmingham On April 20, King posted bail & began planning more demonstrations On April 20, King posted bail & began planning more demonstrations On May 2 more than a thousand African-American children marched in Birmingham On May 2 more than a thousand African-American children marched in Birmingham Police commissioner Eugene “Bull” Connor arrested 959 of them Police commissioner Eugene “Bull” Connor arrested 959 of them The next day a second demonstration came head to head with helmeted police force The next day a second demonstration came head to head with helmeted police force Police swept marchers off their feet w/ high pressure fire hoses, set attack dogs on them, & clubbed those who fell Police swept marchers off their feet w/ high pressure fire hoses, set attack dogs on them, & clubbed those who fell TV camera’s captured all of it TV camera’s captured all of it Continued protests, economic boycotts, and Continued protests, economic boycotts, and negative media coverage finally convinced Birmingham officials to end segregation These actions finally convinced President Kennedy These actions finally convinced President Kennedy that only a new civil rights act could end racial violence Above: Attack dogs in Birmingham Birmingham Police commissioner “Bull” Connor stopping protesters

Kennedy takes a stand On June 11, 1963 President Kennedy sent troops On June 11, 1963 President Kennedy sent troops to force Alabama Governor George Wallace to honor a court order to desegregate the Univ. of Alabama That evening Kennedy address the nation & asked That evening Kennedy address the nation & asked “Are we to say to the world – and much more importantly to each other – that this is the land of the free, except for the Negroes?” Kennedy demanded that Congress pass a civil rights bill Kennedy demanded that Congress pass a civil rights bill In the hours just after Kennedy’s speech a sniper murdered In the hours just after Kennedy’s speech a sniper murdered Medgar Evers, the NAACP field secretary and WWII veteran. Police arrested white supremacist Byron de la Beckwith Police arrested white supremacist Byron de la Beckwith Beckwith was released after two trials resulted in hung juries Beckwith was released after two trials resulted in hung juries This decision resulted in a new militancy movement in African Americans This decision resulted in a new militancy movement in African Americans Many began to demand “Freedom Now!” Many began to demand “Freedom Now!”

The March on Washington

On August 28, 1963 more than 250,000 people including 75,000 whites converged on the nations capital to persuade Congress to pass the current Civil Rights bill On August 28, 1963 more than 250,000 people including 75,000 whites converged on the nations capital to persuade Congress to pass the current Civil Rights bill They assembled on the grassy lawn of the Washington Monument & marched to the Lincoln Memorial They assembled on the grassy lawn of the Washington Monument & marched to the Lincoln Memorial A host of speakers demand the passage A host of speakers demand the passage of the bill Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. appeared Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. appeared & gave his famous “I have a Dream” speech which appealed for racial harmony & peace

More Violence Two weeks after the March on Washington four Birmingham girls were killed when a rider in a car hurled a bomb through a church window & blew up the church Two weeks after the March on Washington four Birmingham girls were killed when a rider in a car hurled a bomb through a church window & blew up the church Two more African-Americans died in the civil unrest that followed Two more African-Americans died in the civil unrest that followed By the mid 1960’s organizations such as the KKK and the White Citizen’s League became more violent and more active By the mid 1960’s organizations such as the KKK and the White Citizen’s League became more violent and more active Above: KKK soliciting in downtown Atlanta Below: Freedom march in Seattle

Four Days in November On November 22, 1963 Air Force One On November 22, 1963 Air Force One landed in Dallas, Texas President & Mrs. Kennedy & Vice President Johnson had come to Texas to smooth over Democrats there in preparation for the 1964 election President & Mrs. Kennedy & Vice President Johnson had come to Texas to smooth over Democrats there in preparation for the 1964 election Pres. Kennedy made an appearance in Pres. Kennedy made an appearance in Fort Worth before going to Dallas President Kennedy received a warm welcome upon arrival as crowds lined the streets of downtown Dallas to see him President Kennedy received a warm welcome upon arrival as crowds lined the streets of downtown Dallas to see him Jacqueline & JFK sat in the back of an open air limousine while Governor John Connally & his wife sat in front Jacqueline & JFK sat in the back of an open air limousine while Governor John Connally & his wife sat in front Above: Pres. Kennedy speaking at Fort Worth Below: Pres. & Mrs. Kennedy arriving in Dallas

Dealey Plaza

Four Days in November As the motorcade approached the state building known as the Texas School Book Depository Mrs. Connally turned to Pres. Kennedy As the motorcade approached the state building known as the Texas School Book Depository Mrs. Connally turned to Pres. Kennedy & remarked “You can’t say that Dallas isn’t friendly to you today.” A few seconds later shots rang out A few seconds later shots rang out Above: Pres. Kennedy’s motorcade in Dallas Below: Crowd of school children lining the streets

Assassination The first shot seemingly went over the motorcade The first shot seemingly went over the motorcade Next a bullet struck Kennedy in the neck prompting him to lurch forward grasping at his neck Next a bullet struck Kennedy in the neck prompting him to lurch forward grasping at his neck Governor Connally hearing the shots looked back over his shoulder Governor Connally hearing the shots looked back over his shoulder Gov. Connally was struck by the same bullet that had just hit Pres. Kennedy in the neck Gov. Connally was struck by the same bullet that had just hit Pres. Kennedy in the neck The next shot seemingly from in front of the motorcade hit Pres. Kennedy in the head, fatally wounding him The next shot seemingly from in front of the motorcade hit Pres. Kennedy in the head, fatally wounding him Jackie Kennedy then climbed onto the back of the Presidential limo either trying to retrieve some brain matter from JFK or trying to escape the shooting Jackie Kennedy then climbed onto the back of the Presidential limo either trying to retrieve some brain matter from JFK or trying to escape the shooting The motorcade raced to the hospital but Kennedy was dead on arrival despite several attempts to revive him The motorcade raced to the hospital but Kennedy was dead on arrival despite several attempts to revive him Above: Polaroid of Kennedy after the first hit in the neck Below: Presidential motorcade racing away

The Aftermath Bedlam ensued after the assassination police raced to find witnesses; people were left in shock & disbelief Bedlam ensued after the assassination police raced to find witnesses; people were left in shock & disbelief Much of the commotion was directed at the grassy knoll that was directly beside the Presidential motorcade when President Kennedy was hit Much of the commotion was directed at the grassy knoll that was directly beside the Presidential motorcade when President Kennedy was hit Several famous photographs Several famous photographs were made of the assassination Most notable of these was a home movie taken from behind the Most notable of these was a home movie taken from behind the grassy knoll by Abraham Zapruder

Assassination

The Aftermath For the next four days television provided almost around the clock coverage of the assassination the investigation & the apprehension of the murderer For the next four days television provided almost around the clock coverage of the assassination the investigation & the apprehension of the murderer Vice President Lyndon Johnson taking the oath of office aboard Air Force One with Jackie at his side was televised Vice President Lyndon Johnson taking the oath of office aboard Air Force One with Jackie at his side was televised The President’s body was loaded aboard Air Force One & sent with President Johnson back to Washington for an autopsy The President’s body was loaded aboard Air Force One & sent with President Johnson back to Washington for an autopsy Soon, audiences watched as Dallas police charged Lee Harvey Oswald with the murder of a local police officer & the President Soon, audiences watched as Dallas police charged Lee Harvey Oswald with the murder of a local police officer & the President Above: Pres. Johnson being sworn in aboard Air Force 1 Below: Pres. Kennedy’s casket being loaded aboard AF1

Four Days in November Dallas police rushed to find clues and witnesses Dallas police rushed to find clues and witnesses Police checked both the School Book Depository as well as the grassy knoll Police checked both the School Book Depository as well as the grassy knoll Although there were no eyewitnesses of his direct involvement the investigation immediately surrounded around a man named Lee Harvey Oswald Although there were no eyewitnesses of his direct involvement the investigation immediately surrounded around a man named Lee Harvey Oswald Above: Oswald being transfer between floors Below: Dealey Plaza in Dallas Below: Oswald at a press conference after he was charged with the assassination of President Kennedy

Lee Harvey Oswald Oswald was a 24 year old ex-Marine that had been dishonorable discharged Oswald was a 24 year old ex-Marine that had been dishonorable discharged After his discharge Oswald lived for a brief time in the Soviet Union & became a supporter of Castro After his discharge Oswald lived for a brief time in the Soviet Union & became a supporter of Castro Some believe that Oswald was a U.S. CIA agent & that was the reason for his Soviet ties & pro- Castro activity Some believe that Oswald was a U.S. CIA agent & that was the reason for his Soviet ties & pro- Castro activity Oswald’s palm print was found on the rifle in the School Book Depository building Oswald’s palm print was found on the rifle in the School Book Depository building Oswald himself was seen on the first floor of the building drinking a pop moments after the shooting Oswald himself was seen on the first floor of the building drinking a pop moments after the shooting Some doubt that he could have stashed the gun across the room & traveled down 7 flights of stairs in the time between the shots & police officers entering the building Some doubt that he could have stashed the gun across the room & traveled down 7 flights of stairs in the time between the shots & police officers entering the building Oswald was apprehended in a Dallas movie theater hours after the assassination when he entered without paying Oswald was apprehended in a Dallas movie theater hours after the assassination when he entered without paying Oswald was charged with shooting Officer Tippet a Dallas Police officer & later with the shooting of President Kennedy Oswald was charged with shooting Officer Tippet a Dallas Police officer & later with the shooting of President Kennedy  Lee Harvey Oswald while in the Soviet Union Lee Harvey Oswald while in New Orleans 

Oswald’s killed

Jack Ruby On Sunday November 24 as millions watched on TV Oswald was to be transferred from Dallas city jail to a more secure location On Sunday November 24 as millions watched on TV Oswald was to be transferred from Dallas city jail to a more secure location Live on television a nightclub owner from New Orleans with Mafia ties broke through the crowd & shot Oswald fatally wounding him Live on television a nightclub owner from New Orleans with Mafia ties broke through the crowd & shot Oswald fatally wounding him Ruby said that he just wanted to spare Jacqueline Kennedy from having to go through a trial Ruby said that he just wanted to spare Jacqueline Kennedy from having to go through a trial Many people dispute this Many people dispute this simplistic reason and ask how Ruby was able to get into the guarded & secure basement in the first place Ruby would ask later to be Ruby would ask later to be brought to Washington to tell his story but was never allowed to & died of a disease in prison Above: Jack Ruby at a press conference before Oswald’s transfer Above: Ruby at his N.O. Nightclub Below: Oswald moments before his shot

Conspiracy The magnitude of the event left many people wondering why The magnitude of the event left many people wondering why The country was in shock The country was in shock All work stopped for the televised funeral of President Kennedy as the nation mourned All work stopped for the televised funeral of President Kennedy as the nation mourned Many eye witnesses claimed to have heard gunshots from a grassy knoll area in front of the motorcade & believed that a second shooter was involved Many eye witnesses claimed to have heard gunshots from a grassy knoll area in front of the motorcade & believed that a second shooter was involved The possibility of a second shooter sparked conspiracy theories The possibility of a second shooter sparked conspiracy theories Many other bizarre events also fed fire to these thoughts Many other bizarre events also fed fire to these thoughts Oswald’s questionable past Oswald’s questionable past The unlikely hood of 3 shots being able to have done all the damage The unlikely hood of 3 shots being able to have done all the damage Mysterious police actions Mysterious police actions Suppression of some witnesses Suppression of some witnesses The Zapruder film The Zapruder film Jack Ruby with mob ties shooting Oswald Jack Ruby with mob ties shooting Oswald In the turmoil filled 60’s there were many groups to In the turmoil filled 60’s there were many groups to suspect of conspiracy such as the Communists, Organized Crime (Mob), pro-Castro forces, some even suspected the CIA & the American gov’t, especially the military establishment that did not like Kennedy, especially after the Cuban Missile Crisis & Kennedy’s planned withdraw from Vietnam Above: Kennedy’s body in the capitol Below: Kennedy’s funeral procession

The Warren Commission In 1963 the Warren Commission was created to investigate the Kennedy assassination In 1963 the Warren Commission was created to investigate the Kennedy assassination This was a congressional committee headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren that also included such members as future President Gerald Ford This was a congressional committee headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren that also included such members as future President Gerald Ford Many witnesses were not allowed to testify for the Warren Commission and not all of the available evidence was given Many witnesses were not allowed to testify for the Warren Commission and not all of the available evidence was given Much of the commission’s time was spent on proving Oswald guilt alone & no true investigation to a possibility of a conspiracy existed Much of the commission’s time was spent on proving Oswald guilt alone & no true investigation to a possibility of a conspiracy existed The Magic Bullet theory arose when the commission concluded that only three shots were fired from the School Book Depository Building The Magic Bullet theory arose when the commission concluded that only three shots were fired from the School Book Depository Building They agreed that one of the shots missed, leaving only two to injure both Pres. Kennedy and Governor Connally and one for the fatal head wound They agreed that one of the shots missed, leaving only two to injure both Pres. Kennedy and Governor Connally and one for the fatal head wound This magic bullet supposedly entered Pres. Kennedy in the back, exited & hit Gov. Connally in the shoulder, exited, hit Connally on the wrist, then lodged itself in his leg changing directions several times This magic bullet supposedly entered Pres. Kennedy in the back, exited & hit Gov. Connally in the shoulder, exited, hit Connally on the wrist, then lodged itself in his leg changing directions several times Another bullet supposedly from the head wound was found on the President’s stretcher Another bullet supposedly from the head wound was found on the President’s stretcher The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald had been acting alone The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald had been acting alone Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren Congressman & Future President Gerald Ford

Magic Bullet

Weird Assassination Facts Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946. Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946. Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960. Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960. Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. Both wives lost their children while living in the White House. Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. Both wives lost their children while living in the White House. Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. Both Presidents were shot in the head. Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. Both Presidents were shot in the head. Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy. Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln. Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy. Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln. Both were assassinated by Southerners. Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson Both were assassinated by Southerners. Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908. Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

Weird Assassination Facts John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, was born in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939. John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, was born in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939. Both assassins were known by their three names. Both names are composed of fifteen letters. Both assassins were known by their three names. Both names are composed of fifteen letters. Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford.' Kennedy was shot in a car called ' Lincoln' made by 'Ford.' Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford.' Kennedy was shot in a car called ' Lincoln' made by 'Ford.' Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse. Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater. Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse. Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater. Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials. Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Born a fourth generation Texan to a low middle class family Born a fourth generation Texan to a low middle class family Worked one year in a minority school in Cotulla, Texas to finance Worked one year in a minority school in Cotulla, Texas to finance his education from South West Texas State Teachers College Became a public speaking & debate teacher in 1930 and taught in Sam Houston High School in Houston, Texas Became a public speaking & debate teacher in 1930 and taught in Sam Houston High School in Houston, Texas At age 26 he began the state director of the National Youth Administration At age 26 he began the state director of the National Youth Administration LBJ entered politics in 1937 to fill a vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives LBJ entered politics in 1937 to fill a vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives In congress Johnson caught the eye of Pres. Roosevelt who helped him to secure key committee assignments In congress Johnson caught the eye of Pres. Roosevelt who helped him to secure key committee assignments In 1948 Johnson won the Democratic primary for Senate by a margin of 87 votes out of 988,000 he went on to win the general election In 1948 Johnson won the Democratic primary for Senate by a margin of 87 votes out of 988,000 he went on to win the general election Johnson proved to be a masterful politician and rose to the rank of Senate Majority leader in 1955  youngest majority leader ever at 46 Johnson proved to be a masterful politician and rose to the rank of Senate Majority leader in 1955  youngest majority leader ever at 46 He was the driving force behind the Civil Rights Bill of 1957 He was the driving force behind the Civil Rights Bill of 1957

The Great Society Johnson began his presidency by Johnson began his presidency by urging congress to pass the civil rights & tax-cut bills that Pres. Kennedy had sent to Capitol hill In February 1964 Congress passed a In February 1964 Congress passed a tax reduction bill of $10 billion dollars which spurred economic growth In July, Johnson pushed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through congress In July, Johnson pushed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through congress Johnson was able to use his influence to persuade Southern senators not to block the passage of this bill Johnson was able to use his influence to persuade Southern senators not to block the passage of this bill Strom Thurmond was the leader of the southern senators in opposition to this bill Strom Thurmond was the leader of the southern senators in opposition to this bill The bill prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, and sex The bill prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, and sex Senator Strom Thurmond from South Carolina

LBJ’s War on Poverty Working with impoverished children before entering politics shaped Lyndon Johnson’s political agenda Working with impoverished children before entering politics shaped Lyndon Johnson’s political agenda He was determined to end poverty in America & had developed great ideas for how to do this He was determined to end poverty in America & had developed great ideas for how to do this In 1964 LBJ announced a war on poverty in America In 1964 LBJ announced a war on poverty in America In August of 1964 Congress enacted the Economic Opportunity Act approving nearly $1 billion for youth programs, anti-poverty measures, small-business loans, and job training In August of 1964 Congress enacted the Economic Opportunity Act approving nearly $1 billion for youth programs, anti-poverty measures, small-business loans, and job training Created the Job Corps Youth Training Program Created the Job Corps Youth Training Program VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) Project Head Start, an education program for underprivileged preschoolers Project Head Start, an education program for underprivileged preschoolers The Community Action Program, which encouraged poor people to participate in public works programs The Community Action Program, which encouraged poor people to participate in public works programs

Election of 1964 In 1964 Republicans nominated Barry In 1964 Republicans nominated Barry Goldwater of Arizona to opposed Johnson Goldwater believed the federal gov’t had no Goldwater believed the federal gov’t had no business trying to right social and economic wrongs such as poverty, discrimination, & lack of opportunity Goldwater also scared people by hinting that the U.S. should use nuclear weapons on Cuba & North Vietnam Goldwater also scared people by hinting that the U.S. should use nuclear weapons on Cuba & North Vietnam LBJ won in a landslide getting 61% of the popular vote & 486 electoral votes to Goldwater’s 52 LBJ won in a landslide getting 61% of the popular vote & 486 electoral votes to Goldwater’s 52 Democrats also increased their majority in congress making reliance on Southern Democrats for votes unnecessary Democrats also increased their majority in congress making reliance on Southern Democrats for votes unnecessary

The Great Society Like his idol FDR, Pres. Johnson wanted to change America Like his idol FDR, Pres. Johnson wanted to change America He envisioned an America without poverty and social injustices and pushed 206 acts through Congress during his presidency to accomplish this He envisioned an America without poverty and social injustices and pushed 206 acts through Congress during his presidency to accomplish this Johnson’s plan did involve government even more in the lives of Americans & increased the power of the Federal government Johnson’s plan did involve government even more in the lives of Americans & increased the power of the Federal government Greatest increase in gov’t legislation since FDR & the New Deal Greatest increase in gov’t legislation since FDR & the New Deal Education was a prime target of Johnson’s Great Society programs Education was a prime target of Johnson’s Great Society programs Johnson said that educations was “the key which can unlock the door to the Great Society” Johnson said that educations was “the key which can unlock the door to the Great Society” The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Gave $1 billion in federal aid to help public and parochial schools to purchase textbooks and new library materials Gave $1 billion in federal aid to help public and parochial schools to purchase textbooks and new library materials 1 st major federal aide package for education in the nation’s history 1 st major federal aide package for education in the nation’s history

The Great Society LBJ and Congress established Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 LBJ and Congress established Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 Medicare: provided hospital insurance & low-cost medical Medicare: provided hospital insurance & low-cost medical insurance for almost every American 65 or over Medicaid: extended health insurance to welfare recipients Medicaid: extended health insurance to welfare recipients LBJ established the Department of Housing & Urban LBJ established the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Johnson then appointed Robert Weaver to be the Secretary of HUD; Johnson then appointed Robert Weaver to be the Secretary of HUD; Weaver became the first African-American cabinet member in U.S. history LBJ also passed the Immigration Act of 1965 this reversed the previous immigration practices that discriminated strongly against people from outside western Europe LBJ also passed the Immigration Act of 1965 this reversed the previous immigration practices that discriminated strongly against people from outside western Europe Immigration prior to the 1965 Act only allowed a % of people based on the number of people from that country already in the U.S. Immigration prior to the 1965 Act only allowed a % of people based on the number of people from that country already in the U.S. Since most people in the U.S. at that time were from Western Europe & not Asia or Eastern Europe then these groups could not immigrate to the U.S. Since most people in the U.S. at that time were from Western Europe & not Asia or Eastern Europe then these groups could not immigrate to the U.S. Johnson passed the Water Quality Act of 1965 that required states to clean up rivers & search out the worst chemical polluters to prevent them from using rivers to dump toxic waste Johnson passed the Water Quality Act of 1965 that required states to clean up rivers & search out the worst chemical polluters to prevent them from using rivers to dump toxic waste LBJ also convinced congress to pass laws that forced accurate labels on foods & higher safety standards on automobiles LBJ also convinced congress to pass laws that forced accurate labels on foods & higher safety standards on automobiles

The Supreme Court As the gov’t began to assume power with much legislation & As the gov’t began to assume power with much legislation & reforms the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren began to take action They banned prayer in public schools & ironically increased They banned prayer in public schools & ironically increased the support to freedom of speech, especially for anti-war protests In a landmark decision in Baker v. Carr 1962 the SC said that they had the right to tell states to reapportion their districts for federal representatives to be representative of the population of the states In a landmark decision in Baker v. Carr 1962 the SC said that they had the right to tell states to reapportion their districts for federal representatives to be representative of the population of the states States had left their districts the same despite an increased shift in the population to urban areas States had left their districts the same despite an increased shift in the population to urban areas Thus giving more power to the rural areas who had less people per representative than did the urban areas who often times had a large African-American minority Thus giving more power to the rural areas who had less people per representative than did the urban areas who often times had a large African-American minority In Gideon v. Wainwright 1963 the SC ruled that criminal courts had to provide free legal counsel to those who couldn’t afford it In Gideon v. Wainwright 1963 the SC ruled that criminal courts had to provide free legal counsel to those who couldn’t afford it In Escobedo v. Illinois 1964 they ruled that a person accused of a crime had the right to have a lawyer present during police questioning In Escobedo v. Illinois 1964 they ruled that a person accused of a crime had the right to have a lawyer present during police questioning Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren

The Warren Court Miranda v. Arizona 1964 Miranda v. Arizona 1964 The Court ruled that citizens must be informed of their rights The Court ruled that citizens must be informed of their rights prior to questioning Any evidence or statement obtained prior to a suspect being read Any evidence or statement obtained prior to a suspect being read his/her rights is inadmissible Now known as the Miranda Rights Now known as the Miranda Rights "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can, and will be used "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can, and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you." Engel v. Vitale 1962 Engel v. Vitale 1962 New York State Board of Regents wrote and adopted a prayer which was supposed to be nondenominational New York State Board of Regents wrote and adopted a prayer which was supposed to be nondenominational The school argued that the prayer was nondenominational and did not attempt to "establish or endorse" a religion and thus that it did not violate the establishment clause. The school argued that the prayer was nondenominational and did not attempt to "establish or endorse" a religion and thus that it did not violate the establishment clause. The court ruled Prayer in schools was to be considered unconstitutional The court ruled Prayer in schools was to be considered unconstitutional

The Warren Court The Supreme Court ruled in The Supreme Court ruled in Griswold v. Connecticut 1965 that the Griswold v. Connecticut 1965 that the Constitution protects an individuals Constitution protects an individuals general right to privacy general right to privacy The case involved a Connecticut law that The case involved a Connecticut law that prohibited the use of contraceptives. By a vote of 7-2, the Supreme Court invalidated By a vote of 7-2, the Supreme Court invalidated the law on the grounds that it violated the "right to marital privacy." Said that the right to privacy was implied by the 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th Amendments Said that the right to privacy was implied by the 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th Amendments 3 rd : No quartering of troops in any house…. 3 rd : No quartering of troops in any house…. 4 th : Right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures…. 4 th : Right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures…. 5 th : private property be taken for public use…… 5 th : private property be taken for public use…… The Supreme Court under Warren expanded the scope of individual rights The Supreme Court under Warren expanded the scope of individual rights Criminal Rights, Right to Privacy, etc… Criminal Rights, Right to Privacy, etc… The Warren Supreme Court

Legacy of the Great Society Many people debate the effectiveness of the Great Society programs but there is little debate that it was the largest increase in the power & influence of the federal government since FDR Many people debate the effectiveness of the Great Society programs but there is little debate that it was the largest increase in the power & influence of the federal government since FDR The war on poverty helped many poor people The war on poverty helped many poor people Unemployment dropped from 21% in Unemployment dropped from 21% in 1962 to 11% in 1973 Johnson’s massive tax cut spurred the economy but left the country with a large budget deficit Johnson’s massive tax cut spurred the economy but left the country with a large budget deficit Much of this was caused by the large cost of Much of this was caused by the large cost of the Vietnam war Above: LBJ throwing out the first pitch Below: LBJ working the phones pushing legislation

Fighting for Voting Rights In 1964 the Congress Of Racial Equality (CORE) and SNCC workers in the South began registering as many African-Americans as they could to vote In 1964 the Congress Of Racial Equality (CORE) and SNCC workers in the South began registering as many African-Americans as they could to vote The project became known as Freedom Summer The project became known as Freedom Summer Activists knew that the more African-Americans that voted the more politicians were going to listen to their views & the easier it would be for civil rights legislation to pass Activists knew that the more African-Americans that voted the more politicians were going to listen to their views & the easier it would be for civil rights legislation to pass These activists, white & black faced extreme discrimination & violence These activists, white & black faced extreme discrimination & violence In June of 1964 three civil rights workers and one summer volunteer disappeared in Neshoba County, Mississippi In June of 1964 three civil rights workers and one summer volunteer disappeared in Neshoba County, Mississippi Authorities later found that Klansmen & local police had murdered three of the men (2 of whom were white) Authorities later found that Klansmen & local police had murdered three of the men (2 of whom were white) Racial beatings, murders, church bombings, home bombings, cross burnings continued all throughout the summer Racial beatings, murders, church bombings, home bombings, cross burnings continued all throughout the summer Above: Civil Rights workers 1964 Below: Voter registration in the south

Mississippi Burning

Selma, Alabama At the start of 1965 the SCLC conducted a major voting rights campaign At the start of 1965 the SCLC conducted a major voting rights campaign By the end of 1965 over 2,000 A-A had been arrested in SCLC demonstrations By the end of 1965 over 2,000 A-A had been arrested in SCLC demonstrations Demonstrator Jimmy Lee Jackson was shot & killed Demonstrator Jimmy Lee Jackson was shot & killed After this death Martin Luther King, Jr. announced a 50 mile protest march from Selma to Montgomery (state capital) After this death Martin Luther King, Jr. announced a 50 mile protest march from Selma to Montgomery (state capital) On March 7, 1965 about 600 protesters set out for Montgomery On March 7, 1965 about 600 protesters set out for Montgomery That night television camera’s captured the mayhem that ensued That night television camera’s captured the mayhem that ensued Police swung whips & clubs, and shot cans of tear gas into the crowds Police swung whips & clubs, and shot cans of tear gas into the crowds On March 21, 1965 3,000 marchers again set out for Montgomery, this time with federal protection On March 21, 1965 3,000 marchers again set out for Montgomery, this time with federal protection Soon the number of marchers grew to 25,000 Soon the number of marchers grew to 25,000 Above & Below: MLK marching on Montgomery for voting rights in 1965

Voting Rights Act of 1965 Two weeks after the Selma-Montgomery Two weeks after the Selma-Montgomery March Congress passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 This act eliminated literacy tests that had This act eliminated literacy tests that had disqualified many voters It also stated that federal examiners can grant It also stated that federal examiners can grant the right to vote to individuals if the states are denying them suffrage In Selma the proportion of A-A registered to vote raised from 10% in ’64 to 60% in ’68 In Selma the proportion of A-A registered to vote raised from 10% in ’64 to 60% in ’68 The overall percentage of A-A voters in the South tripled The overall percentage of A-A voters in the South tripled MLK at church speaking about the Voter Rights Act of 1965

Northern Segregation In the North segregation wasn’t the law but de facto segregation which was segregation that exists by practice & custom In the North segregation wasn’t the law but de facto segregation which was segregation that exists by practice & custom De facto segregation is harder to end than de jure segregation (seg. by law) because if there are no laws to change then you have to change people’s attitudes De facto segregation is harder to end than de jure segregation (seg. by law) because if there are no laws to change then you have to change people’s attitudes After World War II many AA moved into the inner cities & whites moved out to the suburbs After World War II many AA moved into the inner cities & whites moved out to the suburbs With AA getting paid less than white suburbanites tax dollars from areas like the inner city were small & so public transportation & facilities, especially schools declined rapidly With AA getting paid less than white suburbanites tax dollars from areas like the inner city were small & so public transportation & facilities, especially schools declined rapidly When these schools became inadequate it prevented other AA from receiving the education needed to raise them out of the state of poverty & perpetuated the condition When these schools became inadequate it prevented other AA from receiving the education needed to raise them out of the state of poverty & perpetuated the condition Housing in the inner city deteriorated to slums run by landlords who didn’t comply with health & housing ordinances Housing in the inner city deteriorated to slums run by landlords who didn’t comply with health & housing ordinances Unemployment in the inner city rose to disproportionately high rates Unemployment in the inner city rose to disproportionately high rates In many cities realtors would not sell homes in the suburbs to those African-American families that could afford it In many cities realtors would not sell homes in the suburbs to those African-American families that could afford it

March on Chicago In 1966 MLK led a campaign in Chicago to end de facto segregation & create an “open city” In 1966 MLK led a campaign in Chicago to end de facto segregation & create an “open city” On July 10 King led 30,000 AA in a march on City Hall On July 10 King led 30,000 AA in a march on City Hall In late July King led demonstrators through a predominately white Chicago neighborhood while angry whites threw rocks & bottles at him In late July King led demonstrators through a predominately white Chicago neighborhood while angry whites threw rocks & bottles at him On August 5 hostile whites stoned King as he led 600 marchers On August 5 hostile whites stoned King as he led 600 marchers In all little was accomplished in Chicago compared to the marches in Birmingham & other southern cities In all little was accomplished in Chicago compared to the marches in Birmingham & other southern cities MLK after being hit by a rock in a Chicago neighborhood

J. Edgar Hoover vs. MLK “We must mark [King] now, if we have not before, as the most dangerous Negro in the future of this nation from the standpoint of communism, the Negro, and national security. “We must mark [King] now, if we have not before, as the most dangerous Negro in the future of this nation from the standpoint of communism, the Negro, and national security. …..it may be unrealistic to limit [our actions against King] to legalistic proofs that would stand up in court or before Congressional Committees” Text from a classified memo from Hoover in the FBI files about MLK 

Race Riots Violence began to erupt in cities in the North in the mid-60’s Violence began to erupt in cities in the North in the mid-60’s In NYC in July of 1964 in a confrontation between a group of AA teens & some white police officers ended in the death of a 15 year old student In NYC in July of 1964 in a confrontation between a group of AA teens & some white police officers ended in the death of a 15 year old student This sparked a riot in Harlem This sparked a riot in Harlem On August 11, 1965, five days after LBJ signed the Voting Rights Act violent riots raged in the predominantly AA Watts neighborhood in Los Angles broke out On August 11, 1965, five days after LBJ signed the Voting Rights Act violent riots raged in the predominantly AA Watts neighborhood in Los Angles broke out police arrested an African American but people were angry and frustrated over a series of police abuses & poor living conditions police arrested an African American but people were angry and frustrated over a series of police abuses & poor living conditions 34 people were killed, 1,032 injuries, 4,000 arrests, & hundred of millions of dollars of property was destroyed 34 people were killed, 1,032 injuries, 4,000 arrests, & hundred of millions of dollars of property was destroyed In 1967 more than 100 race riots took place in America’s major cities In 1967 more than 100 race riots took place in America’s major cities Many whites couldn’t understand why AA were so upset Many whites couldn’t understand why AA were so upset They felt that AA had achieved so many victories in the south why were they still upset They felt that AA had achieved so many victories in the south why were they still upset By the late 60’s much of the money for LBJ’s Great Society had been diverted to the growing war in Vietnam By the late 60’s much of the money for LBJ’s Great Society had been diverted to the growing war in Vietnam Pictures from the race riots in the Watts section of L.A.

Black Power The violence & riots that sprung up around the The violence & riots that sprung up around the country was not caused just by hateful whites it was also caused by African-Americans that began to demand equality As the civil rights movement progress it gave rise As the civil rights movement progress it gave rise to people with much different methods than the non-violent resistance preached by MLK Leaders such as Malcolm X emerged who proclaimed early the “If you think we are here to tell you to love the white man, you have come to the wrong place” Leaders such as Malcolm X emerged who proclaimed early the “If you think we are here to tell you to love the white man, you have come to the wrong place” Black Power became the calling cry for many AA’s during this time Black Power became the calling cry for many AA’s during this time This movement had some positive effect for AA’s but also caused many to hate all whites & this sparked more violence This movement had some positive effect for AA’s but also caused many to hate all whites & this sparked more violence This violence by African-Americans in many cases only worked to reinforce the beliefs of many whites that African-Americans and whites could not live together peacefully This violence by African-Americans in many cases only worked to reinforce the beliefs of many whites that African-Americans and whites could not live together peacefully

Malcolm X Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little & was sent to jail at the age of 20 for burglary Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little & was sent to jail at the age of 20 for burglary In prison he studied the teachings of Elijah Muhammad the head of the Nation of Islam or the Black Muslims In prison he studied the teachings of Elijah Muhammad the head of the Nation of Islam or the Black Muslims Malcolm dropped his slave name & became Malcolm X Malcolm dropped his slave name & became Malcolm X Malcolm became an Islamic minister in 1952 after being released from prison Malcolm became an Islamic minister in 1952 after being released from prison Malcolm was a brilliant thinker & engaging speaker that developed quite a following Malcolm was a brilliant thinker & engaging speaker that developed quite a following Malcolm X preached the teachings of Elijah Muhammad that whites were the cause of the black condition and that blacks should separate from white society Malcolm X preached the teachings of Elijah Muhammad that whites were the cause of the black condition and that blacks should separate from white society Many African-Americans were drawn to Malcolm’s ideas because the movement had aroused a new since of racial pride Many African-Americans were drawn to Malcolm’s ideas because the movement had aroused a new since of racial pride In stark contrast to MLK, Malcolm X advocated self-defense against white violence In stark contrast to MLK, Malcolm X advocated self-defense against white violence Because of these controversial views Malcolm X received a great deal of publicity Because of these controversial views Malcolm X received a great deal of publicity His call for self-defense frightened most whites & many moderate AA’s His call for self-defense frightened most whites & many moderate AA’s The attention that Malcolm X received sparked resentment in some of the other members of the Nation of Islam The attention that Malcolm X received sparked resentment in some of the other members of the Nation of Islam Above: Malcolm X Below: Elijah Muhammad

City Desk w/ Malcolm X

J. Edgar Hoover vs. Malcolm X Infiltrators in the Nation of Islam spread rumors and provoked conflict between Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad and other leaders Infiltrators in the Nation of Islam spread rumors and provoked conflict between Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad and other leaders FBI sought to create dissention, conflict, and violence FBI sought to create dissention, conflict, and violence Took credit for provoking the assassination of Malcolm X in 1965 Took credit for provoking the assassination of Malcolm X in 1965

Troubles in the Nation of Islam In March of 1964 Malcolm X broke with In March of 1964 Malcolm X broke with Elijah Muhammad over differences in strategy & doctrine He formed another Muslim group He formed another Muslim group In April Malcolm X went on a pilgrimage to Mecca In April Malcolm X went on a pilgrimage to Mecca (in Saudi Arabia) that was required of followers of orthodox Islam In Mecca Malcolm learned that orthodox Islam In Mecca Malcolm learned that orthodox Islam preached racial equality While in Mecca, Malcolm worshiped alongside people While in Mecca, Malcolm worshiped alongside people from many countries & many races Said Malcolm of his trip to Mecca “I have [prayed]….with fellow Muslims whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white.” Said Malcolm of his trip to Mecca “I have [prayed]….with fellow Muslims whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white.” When Malcolm returned from Mecca he arrived a changed person. When Malcolm returned from Mecca he arrived a changed person. His views on violent revolt & hatred for whites were replaced with a new attitude of cooperation & tolerance His views on violent revolt & hatred for whites were replaced with a new attitude of cooperation & tolerance On February 21, 1965 while giving a speech in Harlem the 39 year old Malcolm X was shot & killed by members of the Nation of Islam On February 21, 1965 while giving a speech in Harlem the 39 year old Malcolm X was shot & killed by members of the Nation of Islam

Growing Unrest In 1966, James Meredith, the man who had integrated Ole Miss University set out on a 225 mile “walk against fear” from Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi In 1966, James Meredith, the man who had integrated Ole Miss University set out on a 225 mile “walk against fear” from Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi Along the way he was shot & too injured to continue Along the way he was shot & too injured to continue MLK of the SCLC and Stokely Carmichael of the SNCC decided to finish Meredith’s march MLK of the SCLC and Stokely Carmichael of the SNCC decided to finish Meredith’s march Along the march Stokely Carmichael set up a tent on the grounds of an all-black high school in Greenwood, Miss. Along the march Stokely Carmichael set up a tent on the grounds of an all-black high school in Greenwood, Miss. The police arrested him The police arrested him Later Carmichael arrived at a rally with his face swollen from a beating suffered while in custody & incited the crowd Later Carmichael arrived at a rally with his face swollen from a beating suffered while in custody & incited the crowd Carmichael begins to advocate Black Power & for AA to take pride in themselves & no longer take the abuse from whites Carmichael begins to advocate Black Power & for AA to take pride in themselves & no longer take the abuse from whites Above: James Meredith beside the road after being shot on his “walk against fear” Below: Stokely Carmichael at a rally calling for Black Power

Black Panthers In 1966 in response to the growing radicalism in the fight for AA equality a new political party formed in Oakland, California ; the Black Panthers In 1966 in response to the growing radicalism in the fight for AA equality a new political party formed in Oakland, California ; the Black Panthers The party advocated self-sufficiency in AA communities and full employment and decent housing The party advocated self-sufficiency in AA communities and full employment and decent housing They also believed that AA’s should be exempt from further military service in Vietnam b/c of the already disproportionate number of AA’s drafted They also believed that AA’s should be exempt from further military service in Vietnam b/c of the already disproportionate number of AA’s drafted They dressed themselves in black leather jackets, black berets, & sunglasses They dressed themselves in black leather jackets, black berets, & sunglasses They preached self-defense & sold copies of the writings of Mao Zedong (leader of China’s communist revolution) They preached self-defense & sold copies of the writings of Mao Zedong (leader of China’s communist revolution) A number of violent altercations took place between members of the Black Panthers & police & the FBI investigated them heavily A number of violent altercations took place between members of the Black Panthers & police & the FBI investigated them heavily The Panthers however also did many good things in the communities The Panthers however also did many good things in the communities Established daycare centers Established daycare centers Free breakfast programs Free breakfast programs Free medical clinics Free medical clinics Assisted the homeless Assisted the homeless

Memphis After two sanitation workers in Memphis were killed while seeking shelter in the back of a garbage truck because they were denied entrance into the all white lobby of the company MLK led a demonstration in Memphis that faced police violence After two sanitation workers in Memphis were killed while seeking shelter in the back of a garbage truck because they were denied entrance into the all white lobby of the company MLK led a demonstration in Memphis that faced police violence

MLK Assassination Martin Luther King objected to the Black power movement & felt that these violent ways would only lead to more problems Martin Luther King objected to the Black power movement & felt that these violent ways would only lead to more problems On April 3, 1968 King addressed a crowd in Memphis where he was striking for the garbage workers there & made an eerie speech that was almost a premonition On April 3, 1968 King addressed a crowd in Memphis where he was striking for the garbage workers there & made an eerie speech that was almost a premonition The next day April 4, 1968 while standing with friends on his hotel balcony MLK was murdered by James Earl Ray when he was shot from afar with a high powered rifle The next day April 4, 1968 while standing with friends on his hotel balcony MLK was murdered by James Earl Ray when he was shot from afar with a high powered rifle Above: Friends of MLK pointing to the location of the shooter Right: James Earl Ray  Right: MLK with friends including Jesse Jackson moments before he was assassinated

MLK Assassination The night that MLK was killed Robert F. Kennedy was campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination in Indianapolis, Indiana The night that MLK was killed Robert F. Kennedy was campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination in Indianapolis, Indiana Despite warnings of possible violence Robert Kennedy arrived anyway & made an impassioned speech imploring non-violence Despite warnings of possible violence Robert Kennedy arrived anyway & made an impassioned speech imploring non-violence Despite Kennedy’s plea urban rioting took place in over 100 cities including Baltimore, Chicago, Kansas City, and Washington D.C. Despite Kennedy’s plea urban rioting took place in over 100 cities including Baltimore, Chicago, Kansas City, and Washington D.C. Thousands marched with MLK’s casket during his funeral Thousands marched with MLK’s casket during his funeral MLK funeral precession 

Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement One of the legacies of the CR Movement One of the legacies of the CR Movement was that it infused African Americans with greater pride in their racial identity The “Color bar” in entertainment was The “Color bar” in entertainment was lifted & more minorities were seen on television By 1970 2/3 of eligible African American voters were registered to vote By 1970 2/3 of eligible African American voters were registered to vote Because of this many more AA’s were elected to office Because of this many more AA’s were elected to office Support for the Civil Rights movement among whites declined as urban riots & groups such as the Black Panthers came along Support for the Civil Rights movement among whites declined as urban riots & groups such as the Black Panthers came along

Affirmative Action By the 1990’s white flight to the suburbs reversed the progress of school integration By the 1990’s white flight to the suburbs reversed the progress of school integration Suddenly minority students were in schools with very few whites Suddenly minority students were in schools with very few whites In the 1960’s the gov’t began to promote affirmative action programs that made a special effort to hire groups of people that have suffered discrimination (minorities) in order to have diversity in the workforce In the 1960’s the gov’t began to promote affirmative action programs that made a special effort to hire groups of people that have suffered discrimination (minorities) in order to have diversity in the workforce Many companies with federal contracts were encouraged to do this Many companies with federal contracts were encouraged to do this By the 1970’s many began to criticize affirmative action programs as being a form of “reverse discrimination” denying whites of opportunities By the 1970’s many began to criticize affirmative action programs as being a form of “reverse discrimination” denying whites of opportunities These issues are still very much in debate today! These issues are still very much in debate today!

The Stormy Sixties 1960-1968. The Election of 1960 The election of 1960 ushered in a new era in American politics The election of 1960 ushered in a new.

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The Stormy Sixties 1960-1968. The Election of 1960 The election of 1960 ushered in a new era in American politics The election of 1960 ushered in a new.

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Presentation on theme: "The Stormy Sixties 1960-1968. The Election of 1960 The election of 1960 ushered in a new era in American politics The election of 1960 ushered in a new."— Presentation transcript:

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