Us Jfk Flashcards
(20 cards)
What was the Peace Corps and when was it created?
The Peace Corps, created by executive order in 1961, was a volunteer program initiated by JFK to send skilled Americans abroad to provide aid in education, health, and agriculture, aiming to promote US ideals and counter Soviet influence in developing nations.
How many volunteers did the Peace Corps send by 1963, and to how many countries?
By 1963, the Peace Corps had sent over 7,000 volunteers to 44 countries, starting from just 900 in its first year to 16
Why was the Peace Corps a major success for JFK?
It embodied JFK’s idealism, improved America’s image abroad, helped contain communism without military action, and enjoyed strong public support during the Cold War.
What was the Area Redevelopment Act (1961) and what were its aims?
Aimed to reduce unemployment in economically distressed areas by investing $394 million over 4 years in infrastructure and business incentives, targeting areas like Appalachia.
Why did the Area Redevelopment Act have limited success?
It lacked sufficient funding, was poorly implemented, and many low-skilled workers were unwilling or unable to relocate from slum areas, limiting its effectiveness.
What was the Manpower Development and Training Act (1962)?
Provided $435 million over 3 years to retrain over 200,000 workers who lost jobs due to automation, aiming to modernize the workforce and reduce structural unemployment.
Why was the Manpower Act limited in impact?
Faced opposition from Congress who viewed it as federal overreach; Cold War priorities like the Bay of Pigs and defense spending diverted funds, and it lacked widespread coverage.
What was the Omnibus Housing Act (1961) and what did it achieve?
Allocated $5 billion to support private and public housing construction, particularly for the elderly; created 60,000 construction jobs and helped reduce housing costs.
Why was JFK’s domestic agenda often weakened?
Opposition from Southern Democrats and conservative Congressmen, especially due to his support for civil rights and federal intervention in welfare and the economy.
What was the overall economic impact of JFK’s domestic policy?
Reduced unemployment from 6.5% to 5.4% and boosted confidence in the economy, though many programs were modest and later expanded by LBJ’s Great Society.
Why is the Peace Corps often seen as JFK’s greatest achievement?
It was innovative, successful, and enduring, aligning with Cold War goals by promoting global development, undermining communism non-violently, and improving US moral leadership.
What were JFK’s primary goals under the New Frontier initiative?
To tackle poverty, boost economic growth, improve social welfare, expand education, and enhance healthcare access.
Why did JFK struggle to pass domestic legislation?
Conservative Southern Democrats in Congress opposed his civil rights stance and large-scale federal spending, limiting support for key policies.
Why was the School Assistance Bill (1962) significant, and what happened to it?
It proposed $2.3 billion for school construction and teacher salaries but was blocked due to fears it would promote school desegregation.
What was the Higher Education Act proposed by JFK, and what was its legacy?
It aimed to expand federal funding for college education and STEM fields; although blocked, it influenced LBJ’s successful 1965 version.
How did education reform under JFK compare to LBJ’s efforts?
JFK’s efforts were mostly blocked, while LBJ succeeded with broader education funding under the Great Society.
What role did civil rights politics play in limiting JFK’s New Frontier?
His support for civil rights alienated key Southern Democrats, causing resistance to many of his domestic initiatives.
Overall, how is JFK’s New Frontier evaluated in terms of success?
It laid groundwork for future reforms, especially under LBJ, but faced major legislative blocks, making it more rhetoric than transformative action during JFK’s presidency.
What was unemployment in 1960 start of jfk
6.5
What was it by 1963 the end of jfk
5.3%
