JFK pursued an ambitious domestic and foreign policy agenda during his presidency from 1961 to 1963. Some key goals included increasing aid to education, creating a Department of Urban Affairs, putting a man on the moon, and passing a "Marshall Plan" for Latin America. In foreign policy, JFK intensified the Cold War against the Soviet Union, pursued an arms buildup and "Flexible Response" doctrine, and increased U.S. involvement in Vietnam amid fears of communist expansion. However, his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis boosted his popularity and signaled a potential thaw in U.S.-Soviet relations.