JFK and LBJ: Presidency, Policies, and Legacy
JFK’s Election and Presidency
In what year was Kennedy elected?
John F. Kennedy was elected in 1960.
What was important about the 1960 election?
Kennedy’s charisma and appearance played a significant role, especially in the televised debates against Nixon.
Why were some people hesitant about Kennedy’s election?
Concerns included his inexperience, young age, and Catholic faith.
Why were most of Kennedy’s proposals defeated by Congress?
Lack of a strong mandate and opposition from “Dixiecrats” (Southern Democrats) hindered his legislative agenda.
Johnson’s Differences and the Great Society
How was Johnson different from Kennedy?
Johnson, a seasoned politician, had strong relationships with Southern Democrats and was a master legislator.
What were key components of Johnson’s Great Society?
Major initiatives included:
- Civil Rights Act
- Federal funding for education
- Medicare and Medicaid (healthcare programs)
Key Events During Kennedy’s Presidency
What event hurt Kennedy’s popularity?
The Bay of Pigs invasion was a significant setback.
How did the Cuban Missile Crisis end?
The Soviets agreed to remove missiles from Cuba.
How did Kennedy improve his image after the Bay of Pigs?
His handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis boosted his public approval.
Who was Kennedy’s opponent in the 1960 election?
Kennedy debated Richard Nixon.
What was the Kennedy administration nicknamed?
It was known as “Camelot” due to its perceived glamour and idealism.
What was the Kennedy family known for?
They were seen as elegant, young, and intelligent.
Kennedy’s Assassination and Warren Court Rulings
Who assassinated Kennedy?
Lee Harvey Oswald.
What did Baker v. Carr (1962) establish?
The principle of “one person, one vote” for legislative apportionment.
Why did the Soviets build the Berlin Wall?
To prevent people from escaping from East Berlin to West Berlin.
Johnson’s Landslide Victory and Key Appointments
Why did LBJ win the 1964 election by a large margin?
His opponent, Barry Goldwater, was perceived as too extreme.
JFK was a senator from which state?
Massachusetts.
Whom did Kennedy appoint as Attorney General?
His brother, Robert Kennedy.
Landmark Legislation and Supreme Court Cases
What does Medicare provide?
Healthcare for the elderly.
What did Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) guarantee?
The right to legal counsel (a lawyer) for all defendants.
What does Miranda v. Arizona (1966) require?
That individuals be informed of their rights upon arrest.
The Immigration Act of 1965 ended what?
The national origins quota system.
What was the purpose of the Economic Opportunity Act?
To create jobs and combat poverty.
What did Mapp v. Ohio (1961) establish?
Evidence obtained without a warrant cannot be used (Exclusionary Rule).
Who does Medicaid assist?
Low-income individuals and families.
What was the Limited Test Ban Treaty?
An agreement prohibiting nuclear weapons testing in the atmosphere.
What did Escobedo v. Illinois (1964) establish?
The right to an attorney during police questioning.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended discrimination based on what?
Race, sex, and ethnicity.
Cold War Confrontations and Dates
What incident brought the US and the Soviets to the brink of war?
The Cuban Missile Crisis.
When did the Bay of Pigs invasion occur?
April 17, 1961.
What did Kennedy create for economic and social reform in the Western Hemisphere?
The Alliance for Progress.
Who was the Soviet leader during JFK’s administration?
Nikita Khrushchev.
What was JFK’s program to assist developing nations?
The Peace Corps.
When was the naval quarantine of Cuba put into effect?
October 24, 1962.
When was JFK assassinated?
November 22, 1963.
Aftermath of JFK’s Assassination
Who shot Lee Harvey Oswald?
Jack Ruby.
Who was the district attorney who prosecuted the only trial related to JFK’s assassination?
Jim Garrison.
Where did Jim Garrison’s trial take place?
New Orleans.
What was established for direct communication between the White House and the Kremlin?
A hotline.
Space Race Milestones
Who was the first American on the moon?
Neil Armstrong.
What was JFK’s brother’s name?
Robert Kennedy.
When did the US land on the moon?
July 20, 1969.
When was Oswald shot?
November 24, 1963.
Key Figures in the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations
Who was appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)?
Robert Weaver.
Who was JFK’s Secretary of Defense?
Robert McNamara.
Who was JFK’s Secretary of State?
Dean Rusk.
Additional Details and Context
In what plaza was JFK shot?
Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas.
What was LBJ’s message to the country after JFK’s death?
“Let us continue.”
What is the name of NASA’s launch site in Florida?
Cape Canaveral.
What type of backlash did LBJ face regarding his programs?
Conservative backlash.
Who opposed civil rights in the South?
Dixiecrats (Southern Democrats).
According to LBJ, what was the key to the Great Society?
Education.
When was the Berlin Wall erected?
August 13, 1961.
What did NASA build in Houston?
Mission Control.
JFK was the first president born in what century?
The 20th century.
Who was the first man in space?
Yuri Gagarin (Soviet cosmonaut).
Where is the largest population of Cuban exiles in the US?
Miami, Florida.
What did critics call Kennedy’s Peace Corps?
The “Kennedy Kitty Corps“.