Kennedy's New Frontier Flashcards

Study Notes

Objectives

Evaluate Kennedy's domestic policies and their effectiveness.
Assess the impact of Kennedy's assassination on the nation.

Key Terms

Deficit Spending: Government practice of borrowing money to spend more than tax revenues.
Equal Pay Act: 1963 legislation requiring equal wages for equal work, addressing gender wage disparity.
New Frontier: Initiative aimed at renewing America's economy, education, healthcare, and civil rights.
Space Race: Competitive space exploration efforts between the USA and the USSR during the Cold War.
Warren Commission: Group tasked with investigating Kennedy's assassination.

Kennedy Administration Description

Characterized as hopeful, idealistic, and smart.
Often referred to as "Camelot," symbolizing an era of inspiration and youth.

Supported Programs

Advocated for education reforms, medical care for the elderly, economic recovery initiatives, the Peace Corps, and the Alliance for Progress.

Assassination Circumstances

Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, while riding in a convertible.
Lee Harvey Oswald was convicted of the assassination.

Aftermath of Assassination

National shock, disbelief, and sadness followed Kennedy's death, deeply affecting the American public.

Domestic Programs Post-Assassination

Many of Kennedy's initiatives continued under President Lyndon Johnson.

The Kennedy Style

Known for charisma, youthful energy, and tailored appearance.
Surrounded by a distinguished team, dubbed "the best and the brightest," including Robert McNamara and Dean Rusk.

New Frontier Initiative

Promised to tackle economic, educational, healthcare, and civil rights issues.
Aimed to enhance the U.S. space program as part of national advancement.

Domestic Program Focus

Shifted focus from foreign affairs to tackle domestic poverty and welfare by 1963.
Despite challenges with Congress, achieved increases in minimum wage and social security benefits.

Equal Pay Act and Women's Rights

Established the President's Commission on the Status of Women in 1962.
The Equal Pay Act sought fairness in wages across genders, marking progress toward gender equality.

Stimulating the Economy

Faced with high unemployment and economic sluggishness, Kennedy proposed tax credits and military spending to spur growth.
Adopted Keynesian economics, promoting deficit spending and tax cuts to bolster the middle class and stimulate consumer spending.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key objectives and policies of Kennedy's New Frontier. Evaluate the impact of significant events during his administration, including the Space Race and the Kennedy assassination. This quiz also covers important terms and characteristics associated with his presidency.