Questions and Answers
What were JFK's primary foreign policy aims?
What was Eisenhower's policy known as?
New Look
Kennedy was viewed by historians as a decisive and assertive president.
False
What were Kennedy's criticisms of Eisenhower's foreign policy?
Signup and view all the answers
Name one of JFK's main foreign policy successes.
Signup and view all the answers
JFK introduced the _____, encouraging young people to volunteer in poor areas.
Signup and view all the answers
Kennedy's foreign policy approach was more flexible compared to Eisenhower's.
Signup and view all the answers
What international treaty did JFK sign in 1963?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
JFK Foreign Policy Aims
- JFK aimed for a more aggressive approach towards communism, emphasizing the need to challenge Soviet achievements.
- He initiated the Space Race to counter Soviet advancements.
- Increased military budget to create a flexible military response to nuclear threats.
- Believed Eisenhower's foreign policy lacked enthusiasm; sought greater US involvement worldwide.
- Focus on the missile gap was primarily a strategic propaganda effort.
Eisenhower's Legacy
- Eisenhower represented progressive conservatism with a strong focus on foreign and military policy.
- His foreign policy, termed "NEW LOOK," was influenced heavily by Cold War dynamics and US-Soviet tensions.
- Emphasized a global nuclear deterrent, promoting mutually assured destruction (MAD) under "massive retaliation."
- The CIA orchestrated coups in Iran and Guatemala, influencing political landscapes in the Middle East and Latin America.
- Limited direct action in Europe, particularly during de-Stalinization, but created CENTO for strategic alliances.
- Interpersonal communication with Khrushchev helped mitigate serious confrontations, particularly in Berlin.
Perspective on JFK
- Historians often depict Kennedy as naïve with unclear policy direction; however, some argue he was decisive and assertive.
- His policies towards Vietnam differed from Eisenhower’s, reflecting contrasting ideologies and strategies.
Kennedy's Criticism of Eisenhower
- JFK's advisers criticized Eisenhower's foreign policy as unenthusiastic, slow, and overly reliant on brinksmanship.
- Concerns arose that the State Department would struggle to implement new international policies after eight years of Eisenhower.
- JFK aimed to revitalize foreign policy through a youthful and dynamic team within the White House and NSC.
- He believed Eisenhower had neglected emerging states in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, allowing communism to gain ground.
JFK’s Main Foreign Policy Successes Overview
- Established the Peace Corps, encouraging young Americans to work on development projects in poorer regions.
- Signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963, prohibiting nuclear testing in the atmosphere, under water, and in space.
- Increased NASA's budget significantly during his presidency to support the Space Race.
- Promoted a flexible foreign policy approach, using informal negotiations to counter communism in Third World countries.
- Launched the Alliance for Progress in Latin America to provide aid and counter communist influence.
- Addressed the Cold War tensions without directly challenging the Soviets after the Berlin Wall's construction.
JFK Foreign Policy Successes
- Introduced the Peace Corps to promote American goodwill and deter dependency on communist aid.
- Implemented Food for Peace, donating surplus agricultural products to developing nations.
- Enforced the Limited Test Ban Treaty, preventing atmospheric nuclear testing in collaboration with the Soviet Union.
- Established the Alliance for Progress in Latin America, providing financial support for education, medicine, and infrastructure.
- Increased military budget by 15% in 1961 to enhance conventional and nuclear military capabilities.
- Made a commitment to land a man on the Moon, reflecting significant advancements in space exploration.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the key aims and strategies of JFK's foreign policy. It focuses on his approach towards communism, competition in the Space Race, and military response strategies. Test your knowledge on how JFK sought to reshape the United States' foreign relations.
