1960 Presidential Election and President Kennedy's Policies

Flexible Response Policy

• Aimed to provide the U.S. with a range of military options, avoiding reliance on nuclear weapons alone.
• Intended to meet different levels of conflict, from conventional warfare to counterinsurgency.

Bay of Pigs Invasion Outcome

• A failed attempt by U.S.-backed Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime in 1961.
• Resulted in significant embarrassment for the Kennedy administration and strengthened Castro's position.

Construction of the Berlin Wall

• Erected in 1961 to prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Berlin.
• Symbolized the Cold War divide between East and West, highlighting tensions between communist and democratic ideologies.

Cuban Missile Crisis Causes

• Culminated from the U.S. discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles stationed in Cuba in 1962.
• Fueled by Cold War tensions and the desire of the Soviet Union to protect its Cuban ally.

Purpose of the 'Hot Line'

• Established in 1963 to allow direct communication between the leaders of the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
• Aimed to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict during crises.

Economic Theory Accepted by Kennedy

• Keynesian economics was adopted to stimulate economic growth.
• Focused on increased government spending and tax cuts to encourage consumer demand.

Goal for the Space Program

• Set the ambitious target of landing a man on the Moon by the end of the 1960s.
• Aimed to demonstrate U.S. technological superiority during the Space Race against the Soviet Union.

Main Focus Early in Presidency

• Concentrated on foreign policy issues, notably the Cold War and containment strategies.
• Faced immediate challenges, including tensions in Cuba and the Berlin crisis.

Inspiration for the 'Hot Line'

• Sponsored by the Cuban Missile Crisis, where the threat of nuclear confrontation emphasized the need for improved communication.
• Aimed to avoid future escalations similar to the 1962 crisis.

Kennedy's Stance on Civil Rights

• Initially cautious, but increasingly supportive of civil rights as his presidency progressed.
• Became more involved in advocating for civil rights legislation and addressing racial injustices in the U.S.

Test your knowledge about the 1960 presidential election and President Kennedy's policies, including his stance on the military, foreign relations, and the establishment of the Peace Corps.