2. Why not Ike?
Ike would have likely been nominated
by Republicans a 3rd time, but the 22nd
Amendment didn’t allow for it
1960 Rep. candidate: Nixon
Campaigned for an updated version of
Ike’s strategies
Ike’s popularity by 1960 was only average,
so there was no guarantee that the policies
would continue to work
4. Power of television
Utilized TV for the first time
Also used polling data for public opinion
Four televised debates between JFK
and Nixon showed how significant an
impact TV had on society
It showed physical differences between
the two, which gave JFK a huge
advantage as far as his personal image
5. Debates
Those who watched their debate on TV
said JFK won, those who listened on
radio said Nixon won
JFK won popular vote 49.7% to 49.5%
Electoral vote was 303-219
JFK appealed to Catholics and black
voters, along with middle class
His VP, LBJ, won over the southern
vote, including TX
6.
7. Foreign Affairs
JFK felt this was the biggest priority
Was strongly against communism
The defense budget again increased
under him, but not only due to nuclear
weapons
Needed to be prepared for any attack,
large or small, which meant building up
all areas of military
8. Counterinsurgency
Green Berets (Special Forces) were
repelling random, small-scale attacks
such as those in guerilla warfare
Est. in 1952
Trained to fight unconventional warfare
9. Peace Corps
JFK big on public service, est. Peace
Corps
Thousands of youths devoted at least
two years to programs that helped
African villagers obtain adequate
supplies of water
It was also a Cold War weapon to try to
sway countries to American influence
away from Communists
10. Aid
JFK also pushed for economic aid to
developing countries
Funds and supplies for food, education,
medicine, and other services
11. Cuba
JFK tried to overthrow the new
Communist regime in Cuba
By 1961, the US had declared an
embargo on all exports to Cuba
Cut back on imports of sugar
Broken off diplomatic relations with
Castro
12. As a result...
Castro turned towards the Soviets for
economic and military support
Bay of Pigs: JFK tried to send 1,400
anti-Castro Nicaraguans to overthrow
Castro
Failed miserably
13. Germany
Soviets had a large military presence to
isolate the area of Berlin controlled by
West Germany
JFK sent 40,000 troops to Germany
Soon thereafter, Soviets began
constructing the Berlin Wall, which kept
people from fleeing from East to West
Germany
Became the symbol for Cold War until
1989
14. 1962: Climax of Cold War
JFK continued efforts to overthrow
Castro
Soviets built up nuclear arsenal in Cuba
Destructive weaponry was within range
of the US in the form of missile bases
Fear of nuclear war was prevalent
15. Soviet ships
Soviet ships turned back with missiles
at the last minute
Concessions were made:
JFK said he would not invade Cuba
Khrushchev said he would dismantle
missile bases
16. 1963
US, Soviets, Britain agreed to ban the
testing of nuclear weapons in
atmosphere, space, and under water
Underground testing did continue
Despite all the efforts to stop Cold War
fears, it continued on for 25 more years
Most foreign policy by the US was tied
to Soviets
17. Domestic Policy
JFK not as strong in this area: his
efforts were with foreign policy
He did increase funding for NASA
First to allow for deficit spending
Done to stimulate economic growth
Reduced income taxes
Congress did not pass the plan, but under
LBJ, it did pass a few years later
18. Other
Raised minimum wage
Expanded Social Security
Not a whole lot else was accomplished
**We will discuss his Vietnam policy
when we talk about Vietnam!
**We will discuss any Civil Rights policy
when we talk about Civil Rights! LBJ is
main name for that...