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Kennedy and the Cold War

Kennedy and the Cold War. 1960s. Election of 1960. JFK (Democrat) vs. Nixon (Republican – had been Eisenhower’s VP) TV – Nixon refuses make-up; Kennedy understands power of the media those who listen on radio say Nixon victor; TV – Kennedy

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Kennedy and the Cold War

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  1. Kennedy and the Cold War 1960s

  2. Election of 1960 • JFK (Democrat) vs. Nixon (Republican – had been Eisenhower’s VP) • TV – Nixon refuses make-up; Kennedy understands power of the media those who listen on radio say Nixon victor; TV – Kennedy • MLK imprisoned in a protest in Atlanta, JFK, urged by brother, phones Coretta Scott King and works behind scenes to secure bail; Nixon remains silent • This helps JFK gain support of African American community • Tightest election since 1888; largest voter turnout (68 million) Kennedy wins by less than 120,000 votes; electoral – JFK=303; Nixon=219 (sets up Nixon for future events)

  3. Kennedy’s Cold War Strategies Claims Eisenhower was too nice (really?) points to Fidel Castro (1959) 1st goal was to build up the military ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country’ Believes in massive retaliation, but also sees need to build up armed forces ‘Flexible response’ – ready to fight in any type of conflict

  4. Work with lesser developed countries (LDC’s or Third World) – Asia, Africa, Latin America believing Democracy and prosperity would fend off communism, initiated world-wide programs Peace Corps – 1961 – worked to provide educational, technical and health services Alliance for Progress – similar to Good Neighbor Policy in Latin Am. – promotes economic assistance – not successful

  5. Cuba When Castro takes over, he wants to take over all land and accepts aid from Soviets – many well-off Cubans flee to Miami Bay of Pigs Invasion CIA authorized by Eisenhower to plan invasion to overthrow Castro Eisenhower leaves office before plan comes to fruition Kennedy pressured to carry out plans Epic failure

  6. Cuban Missile Crisis Aug/Sept 1962 – discovered Soviets were building nuclear missile sites in Cuba Oct. 22, 1962, in TV address blames Khrushchev for threatening world peace Places a Naval blockade on Cuba to prevent Soviets from continuing worked behind the scenes for a diplomatic settlement – we would remove missiles in Turkey and Italy if Soviets removed missiles from Cuba

  7. 6 days where world felt it was on brink of war – Soviets give in Sec. of State Dean Rusk – “They blinked first’ Leaders: Soviet loses respect and some power; Kennedy gained it install a ‘hotline’ for communication 1963 – Nuclear Test Ban Treaty ends above ground tests Berlin Crisis Soviets want West Berlin, we say no – tense conference in Vienna 1961 – Berlin Wall build and Kennedy increases military spending

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