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Questions and Answers
What was new about the New Frontier?
What was new about the New Frontier?
John F. Kennedy was elected as president of the United States, the youngest in history. A sexual revolution, civil rights revolution, and a young culture began to develop.
Assess the effectiveness of New Frontier domestic policies.
Assess the effectiveness of New Frontier domestic policies.
Overall, it was decently effective despite some stalled programs.
Describe Kennedy's relationship with Western Europe.
Describe Kennedy's relationship with Western Europe.
Kennedy supported Western Europe, which was prospering after the Marshall Plan, but faced suspicion from France's Charles de Gaulle.
Why did Kennedy believe that a policy of flexible response could better meet the foreign problems of the 1960s?
Why did Kennedy believe that a policy of flexible response could better meet the foreign problems of the 1960s?
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What challenges did the Diem government face?
What challenges did the Diem government face?
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How could Cuba be considered both the low and high points of Kennedy's foreign policy?
How could Cuba be considered both the low and high points of Kennedy's foreign policy?
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Were Kennedy's civil rights actions more the cause of events or a reaction to events in the civil rights movement?
Were Kennedy's civil rights actions more the cause of events or a reaction to events in the civil rights movement?
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What was the reaction to Kennedy's assassination?
What was the reaction to Kennedy's assassination?
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Did Johnson provide good leadership to the country in his first term?
Did Johnson provide good leadership to the country in his first term?
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What was the political philosophy contrast in the 1964 election?
What was the political philosophy contrast in the 1964 election?
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Study Notes
New Frontier
- John F. Kennedy became the youngest president in U.S. history during his election.
- The New Frontier era was marked by a sexual revolution, a civil rights movement, and the rise of a youthful culture.
- Key figures included Robert Kennedy as Attorney General and Robert McNamara leading the Defense Department.
- The Peace Corps was established to send American volunteers to assist underdeveloped nations.
Effectiveness of New Frontier Domestic Policies
- Expansion of the House Rules Committee was part of JFK's strategy, but progress on medical and education reforms stalled.
- The administration faced pressure to control inflation and maintain economic stability.
- Tensions with big business arose, especially after steel price hikes provoked a strong presidential reaction.
- Overall assessment indicates a moderately successful domestic policy initiative.
Kennedy's Relationship with Western Europe
- Soviet construction of the Berlin Wall underscored tensions between East and West Germany.
- Marshall Plan assistance contributed to Western Europe's post-war prosperity.
- The U.S. supported the establishment of a Common Market to promote free trade.
- Charles de Gaulle of France was a skeptic of U.S. policies and blocked British entry into the Common Market.
Flexible Response Policy
- The Congo and Laos were two regions of concern; both faced independence challenges and potential communist threats.
- Defense Secretary McNamara introduced flexible response to provide a range of military options for various crises, moving away from nuclear deterrence alone.
Vietnam Involvement
- Ngo Dinh Diem's corrupt regime faced significant threats from the Viet Cong and Ho Chi Minh's forces.
- JFK gradually increased American troop presence in Vietnam, leading to high casualties despite the country's complications.
Cuba and Kennedy's Foreign Policy
- The Alliance for Progress aimed to reduce economic disparities in Latin America and counteract communism.
- The Bay of Pigs invasion was a failure, resulting in a shift of Cuba towards communism under Fidel Castro.
- The Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal event, elevating tensions to near-war conditions, with a subsequent establishment of a direct communication line between Washington and Moscow.
Civil Rights Actions
- Freedom Riders sought to desegregate the South but faced harsh opposition.
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birmingham campaign highlighted the violent resistance to peaceful protests.
- JFK’s response was largely reactive, culminating in a passionate speech advocating for civil rights reforms.
Reaction to Kennedy's Assassination
- Kennedy's death triggered a nationwide realization of his charisma and effectiveness as a leader.
- Lyndon B. Johnson succeeded him, inheriting a complex political landscape.
Johnson's Leadership in First Term
- Johnson utilized political skills effectively, influenced by FDR's leadership style.
- His administration passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing discrimination in public facilities.
- Established the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EOCC) to combat hiring discrimination.
- His Great Society programs reflected New Deal principles aimed at social welfare improvements.
1964 Election and Political Philosophies
- Barry Goldwater critiqued programs like the federal income tax, Social Security, and civil rights legislation.
- In contrast, Johnson campaigned on a platform promoting the Great Society and continued social reforms.
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Description
Explore key concepts from Chapter 39 of AP U.S. History focusing on the New Frontier. This chapter highlights significant events and figures during John F. Kennedy's presidency, including social revolutions and government reforms. Test your knowledge with these flashcards to understand the impact of this era on American history.
