JFK and the New Frontier

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JFK and the New Frontier

• Chap 20 Sec 12 Overview

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As Eisenhowers second term draws near end, some
fear US losing Cold War.
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The 1960 Presidential race was between Republican
VP Richard Nixon and Democrat John F. Kennedy.
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1960 election close, but people voted in JFK who
embodied a new energy, vigor, and challenge.
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JFK wife Jacqueline gave the office an aura of
youth and excitement. Called Camelot.
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JFK benefited from first televised presidential
debates.
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He appeared forceful and Nixon ill at ease.
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JFK also was helped into office by African
American voters. JFK attempted to help Martin
Luther King get out of jail.
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JFK urged a tough stand against the Soviets.
Adopted new military strategy called Flexible
Response.
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Flexible Responsegive president many other
military options other than nuclear weapons.
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Fidel Castro seizes power in Cuba in 1959. Later
declares himself a communist.
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A plan under Eisenhower to have Cuban exiles land
in Cuba and overthrow Castro.
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Kennedy gives program the green light, but the
Bay of Pigs attack fails.
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JFK and US embarrassed.
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A year later, US spy plane took photos showing
Soviets were building missile bases in Cuba.
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JFK demands missiles be removed. Blockades
(surrounds) island of Cuba to force any Soviet
ships away.
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If US ships stopped a Soviet boat, it would be an
act of war. Soviets threaten WWIII.
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Finally, after 4 long days, Khrushchev agrees to
turn boats around and remove missiles from Cuba.
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US promises never to invaded Cuba and to pull
missiles out of Turkey.
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City of Berlin was dividedhalf Communist and the
other under control of US, France, and Great
Britain.
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Khrushchev threatens to block all travel to
western controlled portion of city.
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JFK threatens to retaliate if Soviets attempt
blockade.
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Khrushchev responds by building a concrete and
barbed wire wall dividing the city.
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Done primarily to prevent East Berliners from
fleeing to West Berlin.
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Afterward, JFK and Khrushchev install the hot
line. Direct phone line between White House and
Kremlin.
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Also to ease tensionsLimited Test Ban
Treatybarred nuclear testing in the atmosphere.
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New FrontierJFKs domestic program. Called for
space exploration, civil rights, reduce
poverty.
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Peace Corpsvolunteers worked in undeveloped
foreign countries.
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When Soviets launched a person into orbit around
earth, JFK pledged to put a man on the moon .
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Nov 1963JFK assassinated in Dallas. Accused
killer was Lee Harvey Oswald. Oswald later shot
by Jack Ruby.
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Commission set up by gov. to investigate JFKS
assassination. Headed by Chief Justice Earl
Warren. Called Warren Commission.
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Concluded the Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.