Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

8th: Social Studies (Semester 2) > U6L5 Kennedy, Johnson, and Vietnam > Flashcards

U6L5 Kennedy, Johnson, and Vietnam Flashcards

(96 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Why did many people vote against John F. Kennedy?

Experience

A

Many Americans voted against John F. Kennedy because they felt he did not have enough experience to be President.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Why did some people vote against Kennedy?

Religion

A

Others worried about Kennedy’s religion, Catholicism. No Roman Catholic had ever been President. Many Americans feared that Kennedy might be more loyal to the Roman Catholic Church than to the country. (Kennedy reassured voters that he believed in the separation of church and state.)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How did television turn the tide for Kennedy during the election?

A

In the first televised debates ever held in a presidential campaign, Kennedy appeared youthful and confident. While Nixon, recovering from a recent illness, looked tired and nervous. Kennedy won the election by a narrow margin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What was different about Kennedy and the presidents before him?

A

John F. Kennedy took the presidential oath of office on January 20, 1961. At 43, he was the youngest man ever elected President and the first to be born in the twentieth century.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is a superpower?

A

nations with enough military, political, and economic strength to influence events worldwide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What was Kennedy’s job as a leader of a superpower?

A

President Kennedy was given the task of negotiating the country’s way through Cold War crises.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What did Fidel Castro set up in Cuba?

A

In 1959, Fidel Castro led a revolution that set up a communist state in Cuba.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What did Cuban’s government take control over?

A

Castro’s government took over private companies, including many owned by American businesses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Cubans from mainly which classes fled to the U.S.?

A

Thousands of Cubans, especially those from the upper and middle classes, fled to the United States.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Why was America worried with Cuba?

A

The Soviet Union began supplying Cuba with large amounts of aid. The growing ties between the Soviet Union and Castro’s Cuba worried American officials. Cuba lies just 90 miles off the coast of Florida.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What plan did President John F. Kennedy approve from Cuban exiles?

A

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy approved a plan to support Cuban exiles in an invasion of Cuba to overthrow Castro.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are exiles?

A

Exiles are people who have been forced to leave their own country.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

The invasion plan with Cuban exiles was called the Bay of Pigs invasion. How did it do?

A

A force of about 1,400 Cuban exiles landed at the Bay of Pigs on Cuba’s south coast. The invasion was badly planned. Castro’s forces outnumbered the invaders and quickly rounded them up and jailed them, killing about 100 of the invaders.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What effect did the Bay of Pigs invasion have on Cuba?

A

The Bay of Pigs invasion strengthened Castro in Cuba and embarrassed the United States.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

After the Bay of Pigs invasion, what did the Soviet Union do?

A

After the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Soviet Union gave Cuba more weapons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

In October 1962, what did President Kennedy learn about Cuba?

A

President Kennedy learned that the Soviets were secretly building missile bases on the island. If the bases were completed, atomic missiles could reach American cities within minutes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What did President Kennedy do when he heard the news about the missiles being built in Cuba?

A

Kennedy announced that American warships would be positioned around Cuba with orders to stop any Soviet ships carrying missiles.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

When the Soviet Union heard about the U.S. blockade around Cuba, what did they do?

A

The world waited tensely as Soviet ships steamed toward Cuba. At the last minute, the Soviet ships turned back. “We’re eyeball to eyeball,” said Secretary of State Dean Rusk, “and I think the other fellow just blinked.”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Between the U.S. and Cuba, what did the U.S. blockade around Cuba cause?

A

Kennedy’s strong stand led the Soviets to compromise.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What comprise did the Soviet Union and the U.S. reach for Cuba?

A

Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev agreed to remove Soviet missiles from Cuba. In turn, the United States promised not to invade the island.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How did the Cuban missile crisis shake up the U.S. and the Soviet Union?

A

The Cuban missile crisis had shaken both American and Soviet officials. In all the years of the Cold War, the world never came closer to a full-scale nuclear war.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What turned the tide for Kennedy in the presidential race?

A

televised debates

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Who did President Kennedy decide to support in an invasion of Cuba?

A

Cuban exiles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What incident brought the United States and the Soviet Union close to nuclear war?

A

Cuban missile crisis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Describe Latin America's struggle with economic growth.
A huge gap existed between the wealthy few and the majority of people. In most countries, rural people lived in desperate poverty. When the poor migrated to cities seeking work, they were often forced to live in shacks without heat, light, or water.
26
Why did poor Latin American counties think communism was the solution to their problems?
Communists called for land to be distributed to the poor and for governments to take over foreign corporations. Some noncommunists also supported this view.
27
What was the Alliance for Progress?
He urged Latin American countries to make reforms to improve the lives of their people. In return, the United States contributed aid to build schools and hospitals and to improve farming and sanitation services.
28
How well did the Alliance for Progress work?
The Alliance brought a few improvements, but it did not end the causes of poverty.
29
What was the Peace Corps?
Under this program, American volunteers worked in developing countries as teachers, engineers, and technical advisers. Volunteers lived with local people for two years, teaching or giving technical advice.
30
The United States was also a leading member of the Organization of American States (OAS). What did the OAS do?
Through the OAS, the United States promoted economic progress in the Americas by investing in transportation and industry.
31
To battle communism, what did the U.S. do to the Latin American armed forces?
The United States also gave military aid to train and arm Latin American military forces.
32
What did the United States speak up for in Latin America to lead it away from communism?
The United States spoke up for democracy and pressed governments to make reforms. Often, though, the United States ended up supporting military dictators because they opposed communism.
33
In 1957, Russia launched Sputnik I. How was this the first of its kind?
The world's first artificial satellite.
34
When Sputnik I was launched, what did many Americans wonder?
Americans questioned whether Soviet rockets armed with atomic weapons could reach the United States.
35
The United States under President Kennedy's leadership set up the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). What was NASA's purpose?
Its mission was to direct an American space program to compete with that of the Soviets.
36
Describe President Kennedy's assassination.
On November 22, 1963, Kennedy traveled to Dallas, Texas, on a political tour. As his convertible passed cheering crowds, shots rang out. The President slumped in his seat. Later, John F. Kennedy died.
37
After President Kennedy was assassinated, who became president?
That afternoon, Vice President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as President.
38
Who was suspected as to killing President Kennedy? What happened to the suspect?
Police caught Lee Harvey Oswald, the suspected gunman. However, after his arrest, Oswald himself was killed by another gunman.
39
Later a special government commission headed by Chief Justice Earl Warren concluded that a lone gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, had murdered the President. Today, most historians agree with the conclusions of the Warren Commission.
That's it.
40
Johnson had is own program. What was this program called?
Great Society
41
What did the Great Society plan consist of?
It boldly aimed at creating a decent living standard for every American. In a first step, Johnson declared a “war on poverty.”
42
What did Congress think of Johnson's poverty program? What did Johnson do about this?
Congress had not supported Kennedy's poverty program. However, Johnson was more persuasive. He cornered members of Congress. Johnson successfully used his years of political experience to help get what he wanted. In just two years in office, Johnson pushed 50 new laws through Congress.
43
What was the Medicare plan in the Great Society program?
Under Medicare, the government helped pay hospital costs for senior citizens. Medicaid gave states money to help poor citizens with medical bills.
44
How did the Great Society help those who were unemployed, needy, and poor?
A new Office of Economic Opportunity created job-training programs for the unemployed. It gave loans to needy farmers and to businesses in poor sections of cities.
45
Why did Congress establish the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD?
Programs to build housing for low-income and middle-income families were also part of the Great Society. To carry out these programs, Congress established the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD.
46
What was Robert Weaver the head of?
Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD
47
Robert Weaver was the first...
African American ever appointed to the Cabinet.
48
Who did the Great society aid? How did this affect other people?
It aided the poor but at great cost to taxpayers.
49
The Great Society made the government grow in size. What did this affect?
Government grew in size and intruded on people's lives as never before.
50
Who were anti-poverty programs affected?
Corruption sometimes plagued antipoverty programs.
51
Which Great Society program help America the most?
Medicare, Medicaid, and other reforms helped millions and became permanent parts of American life.
52
Why did the United States support military dictators in Latin America?
The dictators opposed communism.
53
What program did Kennedy support to compete with the space program of the Soviets?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
54
What was the aim of the Great Society program?
to create a decent living standard for every American
55
Since the late 1800s, France ruled Vietnam. When and how did Vietnam break away from France?
During the 1940s, Ho Chi Minh (hoh chee min), a Vietnamese nationalist and a Communist, had led the fight for independence. Ho's army finally defeated the French in 1954.
56
What split Vietnam into two countries?
An international peace conference divided Vietnam into two countries.
57
Who were the leaders of North Vietnam and South Vietnam?
Ho Chi Minh led communist North Vietnam. Ngo Dinh Diem (noh din dyem) was the noncommunist leader of South Vietnam. In the Cold War world, the Soviet Union supported North Vietnam. The United States backed Diem in the south.
58
Why did Diem, the ruler of South Vietnam, lose popularity?
Many South Vietnamese thought that he favored wealthy landlords and was corrupt. He failed to help the nation's peasant majority and ruled with a heavy hand.
59
As people's discontent grew with Diem, what did many peasants join?
The Vietcong—guerrillas who opposed Diem.
60
What are the guerrillas?
Guerrillas are fighters who make hit-and-run attacks on the enemy. They do not wear uniforms or fight in large battles.
61
How did Vietcong eventually influence communism throughout south Vietnam?
In time, the Vietcong became communist and were supported by North Vietnam. Vietcong influence quickly spread, especially in the villages.
62
Hey were Americans leaders worried about Vietcong success?
If South Vietnam fell to communism, they believed, other countries in the region would follow—like a row of falling dominoes.
63
What became known as the domino theory?
If South Vietnam fell to communism, they believed, other countries in the region would follow—like a row of falling dominoes. The United States decided that it must keep South Vietnam from becoming the first domino.
64
What did Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy send to South Vietnam during the 1950s and 1960s?
They sent financial aid and military advisers to South Vietnam. The advisers went to help train the South Vietnamese army. They did not go to fight the Vietcong.
65
In November 1963, in South Vietnam, what happened to Diem?
In November 1963, just a few weeks before President Kennedy's assassination, Diem was assassinated. (This was a few weeks before Kennedy's assassination)
66
What did President Lyndon Johnson, who become President after Kennedy's death, keep sending to South Vietnam? Did this affect the Vietcong?
As the new President, Lyndon Johnson was also determined to keep South Vietnam from falling to the communists. He increased aid to South Vietnam, sending more arms and advisers. Still, the Vietcong continued to make gains.
67
What attack did North Vietnam send to an America ship?
In August 1964, President Johnson announced that North Vietnamese torpedo boats had attacked an American ship patrolling the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of North Vietnam.
68
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?
It allowed the President “to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack or to prevent further aggression.”
69
Using the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, what did President Johnson send to Vietnam?
Johnson used the resolution to order the bombing of North Vietnam and Vietcong-held areas in the south.
70
How did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution change Americans role in Vietnam?
With the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, the role of Americans in Vietnam changed from military advisers to active fighters.
71
How many troops did President Johnson send to Vietnam to being the fight?
More than 500,000
72
How was the Vietnam War different from any other war America has fought?
Rather than trying to gain ground, Americans attempted to destroy enemy positions.
73
Why were the Vietcong hard to pin down for the Americans? | Strongholds
When Americans found an enemy stronghold, the guerrillas disappeared into the jungle. When the Americans left, the Vietcong returned. As a result, Americans found themselves going back again and again to fight in the same areas.
74
Why were the Vietcong hard to pin down for the Americans? | Bystanders
American soldiers often could not tell which villagers were Vietcong. The enemy might be the old woman cooking rice outside her hut or the man walking down a village path. “The farmer you waved to from your jeep in the day,” explained an American soldier, “would be the guy with the gun out looking for you at night.”
75
What was the Tet Offensive?
Guerrillas even stormed the American embassy in Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. The attack became known as the Tet Offensive because it took place during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year's holiday.
76
Even though, American and South Vietnamese forces pushed back the enemy. What did the Vietcong win?
The Vietcong had won a major political victory. The Tet Offensive showed that even with half a million American troops, no part of South Vietnam was safe from Vietcong attack.
77
Why did President not run for a reelection?
A weary President Johnson decided not to seek reelection in 1968. He told the American people that he needed to concentrate on his duties while in office rather than on winning reelection. He was also concerned about his health.
78
What caused American support for the Vietnam decline?
As American casualties mounted, public support for the war faded. For the first time, Americans watched a war on television. They saw villages burned, children and old people caught in battle, and soldiers wounded and killed.
79
What did the U.S. do to build up troops?
The United States expanded the draft. The draft affected American youth unequally. Many young middle-class men found ways to avoid the draft, such as attending college. As a result, many of the draftees sent to Vietnam were poor. A large number were African American and Latino.
80
What caused the antiwar movement to grow? | Draft
As more and more young men were sent to fight in the Vietnam War, an antiwar movement gained strength. Protesters staged rallies, burned draft cards (notices that a person has been drafted), and refused to serve in the military. Many of the largest demonstrations took place on college campuses.
81
Who were Hawks? Who were Doves?
Hawks supported the Vietnam War as a battle against communism. Doves opposed it. They saw it as a civil war involving the Vietnamese only.
82
What did Doves say about the Vietnam war?
Protesters charged that American lives and money were being wasted on an unjust war. The South Vietnamese government, they said, was corrupt and brutal, and the United States should not support it. They wanted the huge sums being spent on the war to be spent on social programs at home.
83
What was the counterculture movement?
The antiwar protests fed a spirit of rebellion among young people. During the 1960s and early 1970s, many young people rejected traditional American values. Many young Americans joined the counterculture movement. They criticized competition and the drive for personal success. Instead of going to college, they “dropped out.” Instead of traditional families, they lived together in groups or communes. Many listened to new forms of rock music. Some “turned on,” or experimented with illegal drugs.
84
What did counterculture protesters want?
Inspired by the civil rights movement, counterculture protesters called for peace, justice, and social equality.
85
How did people dress up in counterculture?
They wore torn, faded jeans and work shirts to blur the differences between rich and poor. Men grew long hair and beards. Women refused to put on makeup. All wanted to look more natural and less like their parents.
86
What did some people apart of counterculture do about religion?
Like the beatniks of the 1950s, members of the counterculture said American life was empty and materialistic. Some turned to eastern religions such as Buddhism in search of spiritual meaning.
87
What caused President Johnson's popularity do plummet during the 1968 election?
By 1968, the counterculture and antiwar movements were peaking. As a result, President Johnson's popularity plummeted. To avoid angry protesters, Johnson stayed in the White House more and more.
88
What happened to Robert Kennedy (brother of late president), who ran for President?
New York senator Robert Kennedy, brother of the late President, made a strong run. However, tragedy struck again for the Kennedy family. While campaigning in Los Angeles, Kennedy was shot and killed by a Palestinian who opposed the senator's support for Israel.
89
What did Nixon promise during the election?
The Republicans again nominated former Vice President Richard Nixon. Nixon promised “peace with honor” in Vietnam and “law and order” at home. Nixon won.
90
What did the Tet Offensive show Americans?
No part of South Vietnam was safe.
91
Who were the hawks?
supporters of the Vietnam War
92
What did the counterculture criticize?
competition and the drive for personal success
93
Why was the Cuban missile crisis significant?
It came close to starting a full-scale nuclear war
94
How did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution affect the course of the Vietnam War?
It caused Americans to take an active role in the fighting
95
Which statement best describes the draft?
Many middle-class men avoided it.
96
Which of the following statements best explains Johnson's Great Society?
It was designed as a war on property in America.

8th: Social Studies (Semester 2) (57 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions