The Stormy The Stormy Sixties Sixties

1960-19681960-1968

The Election of 1960The Election of 1960

The election of 1960 ushered in a new era in American politicsThe election of 1960 ushered in a new era in American politics Television found it’s place & revolutionized politicsTelevision found it’s place & revolutionized politics

The mood of the country was restless in 1960The mood of the country was restless in 1960 Sputnik, Communism in Cuba, & a perceived missile gap had Americans Sputnik, Communism in Cuba, & a perceived missile gap had Americans

questioning whether the U.S. was losing the Cold War questioning whether the U.S. was losing the Cold War The Democrats nominate Massachusetts senator John Fitzgerald The Democrats nominate Massachusetts senator John Fitzgerald

Kennedy & the Republicans nominate Vice-President Richard NixonKennedy & the Republicans nominate Vice-President Richard Nixon Many voters questioned whether Kennedy at 43 was too inexperienced Many voters questioned whether Kennedy at 43 was too inexperienced

& were worried about having a Roman Catholic in the White House& were worried about having a Roman Catholic in the White House Afraid that his faith would bring the Pope into American politicsAfraid that his faith would bring the Pope into American politics

Instead of dodging the issue Kennedy openly addressed it & by doing so he made Instead of dodging the issue Kennedy openly addressed it & by doing so he made it not an issueit not an issue

On Sept. 26, 1960 Kennedy & Nixon squared off in the first ever On Sept. 26, 1960 Kennedy & Nixon squared off in the first ever televised presidential debatetelevised presidential debate

The DebateThe Debate 70 million viewers tuned in with 70 million viewers tuned in with

millions more listening on radiomillions more listening on radio Nixon an expert on foreign policy had Nixon an expert on foreign policy had

hoped to expose Kennedy’s inexperience hoped to expose Kennedy’s inexperience Kennedy had been coached by television Kennedy had been coached by television

producers, wore make-up, was tan and producers, wore make-up, was tan and seemed more confident than did Nixon who seemed more confident than did Nixon who had just gotten over the flu & wore no had just gotten over the flu & wore no make-upmake-up

In post-debate polls radio listeners said that In post-debate polls radio listeners said that Nixon won the debate but when television Nixon won the debate but when television viewers were polled they said that Kennedy viewers were polled they said that Kennedy had won the had won the debatedebate

Kennedy and Civil RightsKennedy and Civil Rights The second major event of the campaign The second major event of the campaign

took place in October took place in October Police in Atlanta, Georgia arrested civil Police in Atlanta, Georgia arrested civil

rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & 33 other African-American King, Jr. & 33 other African-American demonstrators for sitting at a segregated demonstrators for sitting at a segregated lunch counterlunch counter The demonstrators were released but King was The demonstrators were released but King was

sentenced to months of hard labor supposedly for sentenced to months of hard labor supposedly for a minor traffic violationa minor traffic violation

Pres. Eisenhower refused to intervene & so VP Pres. Eisenhower refused to intervene & so VP Nixon took no public stance on the issueNixon took no public stance on the issue

Senator John Kennedy telephoned King’s Senator John Kennedy telephoned King’s wife Coretta Scott King to express his wife Coretta Scott King to express his sympathy while JFK’s brother Robert sympathy while JFK’s brother Robert Kennedy persuaded the judge to release Kennedy persuaded the judge to release King on bailKing on bail

This news traveled fast in the African-This news traveled fast in the African-American community & secured many votes American community & secured many votes for Kennedy that would be crucial in the for Kennedy that would be crucial in the tight electiontight election

Martin Luther King Jr.

Coretta Scott King

The Election The Election The election of Nov. 1960 was the closest since The election of Nov. 1960 was the closest since

18841884 Senator Kennedy won by fewer than 119,000 Senator Kennedy won by fewer than 119,000

votesvotes There were many close states & debatable resultsThere were many close states & debatable results

Many believe that Mayor Daley of Chicago used his Many believe that Mayor Daley of Chicago used his mafia connections to fix the elections in that city & mafia connections to fix the elections in that city & swung the state of Illinois in favor of Kennedy, sealing swung the state of Illinois in favor of Kennedy, sealing the electionthe election

Despite these mysterious events Vice-President Despite these mysterious events Vice-President Nixon choose not to drag it out by asking for a Nixon choose not to drag it out by asking for a recountrecount

Senator Kennedy became the President of the Senator Kennedy became the President of the United StatesUnited States

John Fitzgerald KennedyJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy

John Fitzgerald KennedyJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy

JFK becomes the youngest man ever JFK becomes the youngest man ever electedelected to the White House to the White House Born into a wealthy Irish-Catholic familyBorn into a wealthy Irish-Catholic family Dad was a well known businessmanDad was a well known businessman Educated at HarvardEducated at Harvard Served in the Navy in WWII Served in the Navy in WWII Married with 2 kidsMarried with 2 kids

Kennedy challenged Americans to face the Kennedy challenged Americans to face the future with confidence future with confidence In his inaugural address he set the tone for his In his inaugural address he set the tone for his

policiespolicies Domestically:Domestically: “ask not what your country can “ask not what your country can

do for you but what you can do for your country”do for you but what you can do for your country” Foreign Policy: Foreign Policy: “We will pay any price, bear any “We will pay any price, bear any

burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty”and success of liberty”

Left: JFK with Jackie

Below: a youngJFK aboard PT 109 duringWorld War II

The New Frontier 1961-The New Frontier 1961-19631963 JFK’s policies and programs were called the JFK’s policies and programs were called the

“New Frontier”“New Frontier” Kennedy surrounds himself with the best and Kennedy surrounds himself with the best and

the brightestthe brightest Advisors from Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Advisors from Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale,

Princeton, MIT) who became known as the “Wiz Kids” Princeton, MIT) who became known as the “Wiz Kids” because most were youngbecause most were young

Robert McNamara (Sec. of Defense) President of Ford Robert McNamara (Sec. of Defense) President of Ford Motor Co.Motor Co.

Dean Rusk (Sec. of State) President of the Rockefeller Dean Rusk (Sec. of State) President of the Rockefeller foundationfoundation

Robert Kennedy (Attorney General)Robert Kennedy (Attorney General) McGeorge Bundy (National Security Advisor) a Harvard McGeorge Bundy (National Security Advisor) a Harvard

deandean One of JFK’s first programs was the Peace Corps One of JFK’s first programs was the Peace Corps

Young eager volunteers sent overseas to poor nations Young eager volunteers sent overseas to poor nations to helpto help

They attempted to win the “hearts and minds” of poor They attempted to win the “hearts and minds” of poor nations away from the communistsnations away from the communists

Most of Kennedy’s presidency however was Most of Kennedy’s presidency however was defined by Foreign Policy and the Cold Wardefined by Foreign Policy and the Cold War

Sec. of Defense Robert McNamara

Attorney GeneralRobert Kennedy

The Camelot Years 1961-The Camelot Years 1961-19631963

President Kennedy with his daughter Caroline Pres. Kennedy with son John Jr.

CamelotCamelot The Kennedy family fascinated the public The Kennedy family fascinated the public

more than any other first familymore than any other first family They were young & energetic with a young They were young & energetic with a young

family unlike many prior presidentsfamily unlike many prior presidents Kennedy was one of the first presidents to Kennedy was one of the first presidents to

appear regularly on televisionappear regularly on television The Kennedy’s entertained many famous The Kennedy’s entertained many famous

guests from Hollywood, sports, etc… guests from Hollywood, sports, etc… Newspapers and magazines filled with Newspapers and magazines filled with

stories & pictures of President Kennedy’s stories & pictures of President Kennedy’s daughter Caroline & infant son Johndaughter Caroline & infant son John

Jackie became the national fashion queen Jackie became the national fashion queen & women tried to imitate her style& women tried to imitate her style Jackie spent much of her time renovating & Jackie spent much of her time renovating &

decorating the White Housedecorating the White House With JFK’s glamour & young advisors it With JFK’s glamour & young advisors it

reminded people of a modern day version reminded people of a modern day version of Camelot, the mythical court of King of Camelot, the mythical court of King ArthurArthur

Kennedy’s Kennedy’s transgressionstransgressions Despite the public image of Camelot, in Despite the public image of Camelot, in

the Kennedy household all was not wellthe Kennedy household all was not well Pres. Kennedy who had been injured in Pres. Kennedy who had been injured in

WWII & had a notoriously bad back, took WWII & had a notoriously bad back, took an assortment of drugs, steroids & pain an assortment of drugs, steroids & pain killers to copekillers to cope

The Kennedy family had many The Kennedy family had many connections including many Hollywood connections including many Hollywood celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Peter celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford (Kennedy’s brother-in-law), Lawford (Kennedy’s brother-in-law), etc… etc… John F. Kennedy whose sex drive was John F. Kennedy whose sex drive was

believed to be heightened by the steroids & believed to be heightened by the steroids & drugs he was taking often used these drugs he was taking often used these connections to meet many actresses connections to meet many actresses

Kennedy had many one night stands & a Kennedy had many one night stands & a few affairs during his marriage to Jackie few affairs during his marriage to Jackie

The most famous of these affairs was The most famous of these affairs was with famous actress & model Marilynn with famous actress & model Marilynn MonroeMonroe

Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe became the Marilyn Monroe became the

blonde American bombshell of blonde American bombshell of the 50’s & 60’s the 50’s & 60’s She married one of her producers She married one of her producers

but was most famous for her later but was most famous for her later marriage to retired baseball legend marriage to retired baseball legend and American icon Joe DiMaggio and American icon Joe DiMaggio

After a very brief marriage Monroe After a very brief marriage Monroe & DiMaggio divorced & DiMaggio divorced

After being introduced to After being introduced to John Kennedy she and JFK John Kennedy she and JFK had a brief affair before had a brief affair before Kennedy called it off to Kennedy called it off to avoid a public scandalavoid a public scandal

J. Edgar Hoover & the J. Edgar Hoover & the FBIFBI

J. Edgar Hoover was the head of the Federal Bureau of J. Edgar Hoover was the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation & carried a great deal of power with that Investigation & carried a great deal of power with that position position

Hoover despised the Kennedy’s especially JFK’s brother Robert Hoover despised the Kennedy’s especially JFK’s brother Robert who as the Attorney General dealt a great deal with Hooverwho as the Attorney General dealt a great deal with Hoover

Hoover had been accustomed to having a great deal of influence Hoover had been accustomed to having a great deal of influence over Attorney Generalsover Attorney Generals RFK’s relationship with his brother forced Hoover to lose powerRFK’s relationship with his brother forced Hoover to lose power Robert Kennedy also was involved in the vigorous campaign against Robert Kennedy also was involved in the vigorous campaign against

organized crime that reached all the way to Jimmy Hoffa the leader organized crime that reached all the way to Jimmy Hoffa the leader of the Teamsters Unionof the Teamsters Union

Hoover & the FBI had fostered a relationship with some of organized Hoover & the FBI had fostered a relationship with some of organized crime in order to fight other crimescrime in order to fight other crimes

Hoover did wield some power over the Kennedy’s Hoover did wield some power over the Kennedy’s His FBI files included embarrassing information about Kennedy’s His FBI files included embarrassing information about Kennedy’s

transgressions transgressions This information caused Kennedy to give in to Hoover’s pressure This information caused Kennedy to give in to Hoover’s pressure

& allowed the FBI to put illegal wire taps on Martin Luther & allowed the FBI to put illegal wire taps on Martin Luther King’s phonesKing’s phones

J. Edgar Hoover

Flexible ResponseFlexible Response During his presidential campaign JFK had attacked During his presidential campaign JFK had attacked

the Eisenhower administration for not doing enough the Eisenhower administration for not doing enough about the Soviet threatabout the Soviet threat The Soviets were gaining loyalties with less-developed third The Soviets were gaining loyalties with less-developed third

world countries in Asia, Africa, & Latin Americaworld countries in Asia, Africa, & Latin America The U.S. policy under Eisenhower was known as The U.S. policy under Eisenhower was known as

Massive Retaliation Massive Retaliation This policy called for the U.S. to use the threat of nuclear This policy called for the U.S. to use the threat of nuclear

weapons to deter communist aggressionweapons to deter communist aggression President Kennedy changed the U.S. policy to that of President Kennedy changed the U.S. policy to that of

Flexible ResponseFlexible Response Flexible Response called for the U.S. to respond to Flexible Response called for the U.S. to respond to

communist aggression based upon the level of the aggression communist aggression based upon the level of the aggression Allowed the U.S. to use conventional forces to avoid nuclear warAllowed the U.S. to use conventional forces to avoid nuclear war

Kennedy then increased defense spending in order to Kennedy then increased defense spending in order to boost conventional military forces (troops, ships, boost conventional military forces (troops, ships, artillery, air force) & created the Special Forces artillery, air force) & created the Special Forces (Green Berets)(Green Berets)

Kennedy also tripled the nuclear capabilities of the Kennedy also tripled the nuclear capabilities of the U.S.U.S.

The Berlin WallThe Berlin Wall In 1961 Berlin was in great turmoil In 1961 Berlin was in great turmoil In the 11 years since the Berlin Airlift 3 million East Germans In the 11 years since the Berlin Airlift 3 million East Germans

(20% of their population) had fled to West Berlin to free (20% of their population) had fled to West Berlin to free themselves of Communismthemselves of Communism These defections were publicly humiliating to the communists These defections were publicly humiliating to the communists

& was also seriously hurting their economy& was also seriously hurting their economy The Soviets wanted Berlin all to themselves but realized that The Soviets wanted Berlin all to themselves but realized that

the U.S. would not give it up & so Khrushchev threatened to the U.S. would not give it up & so Khrushchev threatened to once again close off all access roads to West Berlin once again close off all access roads to West Berlin President Kennedy refused to give up U.S. access prompting President Kennedy refused to give up U.S. access prompting

Khrushchev to angrily declare that “Khrushchev to angrily declare that “I want peace. But, if you I want peace. But, if you want war, that is your problem” want war, that is your problem”

Pres. Kennedy returned to the U.S. & made a public speech Pres. Kennedy returned to the U.S. & made a public speech declaring that declaring that “Berlin was the great testing place of Western “Berlin was the great testing place of Western courage & will” courage & will” he pledged he pledged “We cannot and will not permit “We cannot and will not permit the Communists to drive us out of Berlin”the Communists to drive us out of Berlin” Kennedy also in his speech hinted that the U.S. would permit a Kennedy also in his speech hinted that the U.S. would permit a

wall to be built by the Soviets wall to be built by the Soviets Better a wall than a warBetter a wall than a war

The Berlin WallThe Berlin Wall

The Berlin WallThe Berlin Wall Kennedy’s determination & Kennedy’s determination &

America’s superior nuclear America’s superior nuclear power prevented Khrushchev power prevented Khrushchev from closing air & land routes from closing air & land routes

Khrushchev instead began Khrushchev instead began constructing a wall just after constructing a wall just after midnight on August 13, 1961midnight on August 13, 1961

East German troops began East German troops began unloading concrete posts & rolls unloading concrete posts & rolls of barbed wire separating East of barbed wire separating East Berlin from West BerlinBerlin from West Berlin Over the years the wall became Over the years the wall became

more elaborate & in many places more elaborate & in many places concrete replaced barbed wireconcrete replaced barbed wire

Armed sentries patrolled the fence Armed sentries patrolled the fence to prevent people from defectingto prevent people from defecting

The Wall severely limited the The Wall severely limited the number of East Germans defecting number of East Germans defecting to the Westto the West

It became a symbol of communist It became a symbol of communist oppressionoppression

Brandenburg GateBrandenburg Gate

Ich bin ein BerlinerIch bin ein Berliner In an attempt to solidify In an attempt to solidify

relations with West relations with West Germany & prove that Germany & prove that the U.S. had no intention the U.S. had no intention of abandoning them of abandoning them President Kennedy made President Kennedy made a trip to West Berlin a trip to West Berlin

He & his wife Jackie He & his wife Jackie were extremely well were extremely well received on this Europe received on this Europe wide tour wide tour

In a famous address JFK In a famous address JFK announced to a jubilant announced to a jubilant crowd that “Ich bin ein crowd that “Ich bin ein Berliner” meaning “I am Berliner” meaning “I am a Berliner”a Berliner”

CubaCuba President Eisenhower had cut off diplomatic President Eisenhower had cut off diplomatic

relations with Cuba in late 1960 because relations with Cuba in late 1960 because their new leader Fidel Castro was a self their new leader Fidel Castro was a self proclaimed communist & welcomed aid from proclaimed communist & welcomed aid from the Soviet Unionthe Soviet Union

Eisenhower also began to assemble Cuban Eisenhower also began to assemble Cuban Exiles for a possible overthrow of Castro’s Exiles for a possible overthrow of Castro’s regimeregime

In March of 1960 Pres. In March of 1960 Pres. Eisenhower gave the CIAEisenhower gave the CIApermission to secretly train permission to secretly train these exiles for an invasion these exiles for an invasion of Cubaof Cuba

The Bay of PigsThe Bay of Pigs President Kennedy learned of this plan only 9 days after his election President Kennedy learned of this plan only 9 days after his election

Reluctantly Kennedy approved this planReluctantly Kennedy approved this plan On April 17, 1961 approximately 1,300-1,500 Cuban exiles landed on On April 17, 1961 approximately 1,300-1,500 Cuban exiles landed on

the islands southern coast at Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) the islands southern coast at Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) The attack went poorly from the beginning The attack went poorly from the beginning An air strike failed to knock out the Cuban air force, a small An air strike failed to knock out the Cuban air force, a small

diversionary force failed to landdiversionary force failed to land When the main force landed it faced 25,000 Cuban troops backed by When the main force landed it faced 25,000 Cuban troops backed by

Soviet tanks & jet aircraftsSoviet tanks & jet aircrafts Thousands of Cuban nationalists were slaughtered; the rest imprisoned Thousands of Cuban nationalists were slaughtered; the rest imprisoned

Cubans sensationalized the defeat of the “North American Cubans sensationalized the defeat of the “North American mercenaries”mercenaries”

One United States commentator observed that One United States commentator observed that Americans “look like fools to our friends, rascals to Americans “look like fools to our friends, rascals to our enemies, and incompetents to every one else”our enemies, and incompetents to every one else”

President Kennedy publicly accepted blame for the President Kennedy publicly accepted blame for the event but privately blamed the CIA and the Pentagonevent but privately blamed the CIA and the Pentagon

Kennedy negotiated the release of the surviving Kennedy negotiated the release of the surviving commandos and paid a ransom of $53 million in commandos and paid a ransom of $53 million in food and medical suppliesfood and medical supplies

The Cuban Missile Crisis The Cuban Missile Crisis By 1962 Castro had firmly allied By 1962 Castro had firmly allied

himself with Moscow & Soviet himself with Moscow & Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev Premier Nikita Khrushchev

The Soviet Union began sending The Soviet Union began sending nuclear weapons to defend Cubanuclear weapons to defend Cuba

On October 14 of 1962 On October 14 of 1962 the U.S. became aware of the U.S. became aware of this when a U2 spy plane this when a U2 spy plane photographed missile sites photographed missile sites in Cubain Cuba

From Cuba these missiles From Cuba these missiles could reach Wash. D.C. in could reach Wash. D.C. in 10 minutes10 minutes

The Cuban Missile CrisisThe Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile CrisisThe Cuban Missile Crisis On Oct. 22, 1962 President Kennedy announced to On Oct. 22, 1962 President Kennedy announced to

the nation the existence of Soviet missile sites in Cubathe nation the existence of Soviet missile sites in Cuba He made it clear that any missile attack from Cuba He made it clear that any missile attack from Cuba

would trigger an all out attack on the Soviet Unionwould trigger an all out attack on the Soviet Union For the next 6 days the world would be at the brink For the next 6 days the world would be at the brink

of nuclear warof nuclear war Kennedy had to make a decision on how the U.S. Kennedy had to make a decision on how the U.S.

should react to this event without starting WW 3 should react to this event without starting WW 3 The U.S. couldn’t allow the weapons to stay in Cuba The U.S. couldn’t allow the weapons to stay in Cuba

& had a limited amount of time to get them out before they & had a limited amount of time to get them out before they could become operationalcould become operational U.S. could launch a full scale invasion of Cuba & prompt the U.S. could launch a full scale invasion of Cuba & prompt the

Soviet Union to invade Berlin starting WWIIISoviet Union to invade Berlin starting WWIII The U.S. could try to negotiate with the U.S.S.R. for a removal The U.S. could try to negotiate with the U.S.S.R. for a removal

but the Soviets would only stall till the missiles were operationalbut the Soviets would only stall till the missiles were operational U.S. could launch air strikes & destroy the sights they knew U.S. could launch air strikes & destroy the sights they knew

about risking leaving unknown sites & risking nuclear war & the about risking leaving unknown sites & risking nuclear war & the Soviets could install more sites Soviets could install more sites

Possible InvasionPossible Invasion

Quarantine Quarantine While the U.S. figured out this dilemma they While the U.S. figured out this dilemma they

instituted a quarantine of Cuba instituted a quarantine of Cuba This was basically a blockade of Cuba but This was basically a blockade of Cuba but

under international law a blockade of another under international law a blockade of another nation was an act of war so they simply called nation was an act of war so they simply called it something else to sound better in world it something else to sound better in world opinionopinion

Soviet ships carrying more missiles to Cuba Soviet ships carrying more missiles to Cuba were stopped 500 miles away from Cuba were stopped 500 miles away from Cuba

In Florida the U.S. began to assemble an In Florida the U.S. began to assemble an invasion fleet of 100,000 troopsinvasion fleet of 100,000 troops

The first Soviet ships were steaming The first Soviet ships were steaming towards the quarantine line with no towards the quarantine line with no indication of stoppingindication of stopping In a high seas game of chicken the Soviet ship In a high seas game of chicken the Soviet ship

was protected by a Soviet submarine & was protected by a Soviet submarine & heading toward the lineheading toward the line

The U.S. fired a warning shot over the ship & The U.S. fired a warning shot over the ship & at the last second the ship suddenly stopped at the last second the ship suddenly stopped & turned around, avoiding a conflict at sea& turned around, avoiding a conflict at sea

Sec. of State Dean Rusk said “Sec. of State Dean Rusk said “We are eyeball We are eyeball to eyeball, and the other fellow just blinked”to eyeball, and the other fellow just blinked”

The United NationsThe United Nations Throughout the Crisis the U.S. Throughout the Crisis the U.S.

had been pleading their case in had been pleading their case in the UNthe UN As U.S. Ambassador Adlai As U.S. Ambassador Adlai

Stevenson lobbied, the Soviet Stevenson lobbied, the Soviet Ambassador ignored the chargesAmbassador ignored the charges

Finally Stevenson pressed the Finally Stevenson pressed the Soviets & forced them to deny Soviets & forced them to deny the charges that such missile the charges that such missile sites existedsites existed

Stevenson then produced Stevenson then produced evidence of the missiles sights to evidence of the missiles sights to the world & the amazement of the world & the amazement of the bewildered Soviet the bewildered Soviet ambassadorambassador Public opinion favors the U.S.Public opinion favors the U.S.

Above & Below: UN Rep Adlai Stevenson producing visual evidenceof the existence of the missile sites

Back channel dealingsBack channel dealings As Pres. Kennedy agonized over what to do a local As Pres. Kennedy agonized over what to do a local

reporter approached Kennedy when one of his sources reporter approached Kennedy when one of his sources had contacted him with a proposed deal from Premier had contacted him with a proposed deal from Premier Khrushchev Khrushchev

In this deal Premier Khrushchev offered to remove In this deal Premier Khrushchev offered to remove the missiles in return for an American pledge not to the missiles in return for an American pledge not to invade Cuba and the removal of missiles from Turkeyinvade Cuba and the removal of missiles from Turkey

Pres. Kennedy & his staff had to figure out if these back Pres. Kennedy & his staff had to figure out if these back channel negotiations were legitimate channel negotiations were legitimate

A day later an official telegram from Moscow offered a A day later an official telegram from Moscow offered a similar proposal but with harsher demands in Turkeysimilar proposal but with harsher demands in Turkey

Pres. Kennedy’s dilemma lied in the fact that if he publicly Pres. Kennedy’s dilemma lied in the fact that if he publicly agreed to these demands & removed the missiles from Turkey agreed to these demands & removed the missiles from Turkey he would be seen as abandoning his allies in exchange for U.S. security he would be seen as abandoning his allies in exchange for U.S. security

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force) pushed for full The Joint Chiefs of Staff (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force) pushed for full scale military effort against Cuba scale military effort against Cuba

During this time the U.S. made low level flights over Cuba to get a During this time the U.S. made low level flights over Cuba to get a better idea as to the state of readiness of the missiles better idea as to the state of readiness of the missiles

These flights were dangerous b/c the Soviets were trying to shoot them These flights were dangerous b/c the Soviets were trying to shoot them down & any incident could insight WW3down & any incident could insight WW3

During the last of these flights an American was shot down & killedDuring the last of these flights an American was shot down & killed

Low level flight photo of the missile site taken by Commander Ecker

The BrinkThe Brink Finally President Kennedy decided to Finally President Kennedy decided to

accept the Soviets first offer & ignore the accept the Soviets first offer & ignore the second offersecond offer

He sent his brother Attorney General He sent his brother Attorney General Robert Kennedy to meet with the Soviet Robert Kennedy to meet with the Soviet Ambassador to try to reach an agreementAmbassador to try to reach an agreement

The U.S. agreed to the pledge not to invade The U.S. agreed to the pledge not to invade Cuba again & promised to remove the missiles Cuba again & promised to remove the missiles (which were out of date anyway) from Turkey at (which were out of date anyway) from Turkey at a later datea later date the second part of this agreement was to be kept the second part of this agreement was to be kept

secret & any mention of the agreement by the secret & any mention of the agreement by the Soviets would negate the dealSoviets would negate the deal

The Soviets reluctantly agreed The Soviets reluctantly agreed

Attorney General Robert Kennedy

The Aftermath The Aftermath The Crisis severely damaged Khrushchev’s The Crisis severely damaged Khrushchev’s

prestige in the Soviet Union & the worldprestige in the Soviet Union & the world Pres. Kennedy received heat as wellPres. Kennedy received heat as well

Opinion varied over the event the crisis coupled Opinion varied over the event the crisis coupled with the fiasco of the Bay of Pigs, some people with the fiasco of the Bay of Pigs, some people doubted Kennedy’s ability in foreign policy yet doubted Kennedy’s ability in foreign policy yet others pointed to this as an example of success others pointed to this as an example of success in foreign policyin foreign policy

Some were upset that Kennedy didn’t use this Some were upset that Kennedy didn’t use this opportunity to drive communism out of Cubaopportunity to drive communism out of Cuba

Regardless of public opinion the world had Regardless of public opinion the world had been to the brink of nuclear war & not fell been to the brink of nuclear war & not fell over the edge over the edge Any mistake by the thousands of humans that Any mistake by the thousands of humans that

made decisions during the two weeks of this made decisions during the two weeks of this crisis could have set in motion a nuclear warcrisis could have set in motion a nuclear war

Cuban Missile CrisisCuban Missile Crisis

Hot LineHot Line After the seriousness of the After the seriousness of the

Cuban Missile Crisis both Cuban Missile Crisis both Kennedy & Khrushchev Kennedy & Khrushchev understood that only split-second understood that only split-second decisions separated the world decisions separated the world from nuclear disasterfrom nuclear disaster

In 1963 the two world leaders In 1963 the two world leaders decided to establish a decided to establish a hot linehot line between the White House & the between the White House & the Kremlin to allow the two Kremlin to allow the two countries to communicate directly countries to communicate directly with each other in case of another with each other in case of another such crisissuch crisis

Also in 1963 the U.S. & the Also in 1963 the U.S. & the U.S.S.R. agreed to a U.S.S.R. agreed to a Limited Limited Test Ban TreatyTest Ban Treaty that barred that barred nuclear testing in the atmospherenuclear testing in the atmosphere To prevent nuclear fallout from To prevent nuclear fallout from

traveling around the globetraveling around the globeAbove: Kennedy meeting w/ Soviet ambassador

Above & Below: Kennedy w/ Khrushchev

The New FrontierThe New Frontier With Kennedy’s youth & vigor he inspired hope & With Kennedy’s youth & vigor he inspired hope &

energy into the country energy into the country In his inauguration he stated that “In his inauguration he stated that “We stand today We stand today

at the edge of a New Frontier” at the edge of a New Frontier” he called Americans he called Americans to be “to be “new pioneers” new pioneers” and to explore and to explore “uncharted “uncharted areas of science and space, … unconquered pockets areas of science and space, … unconquered pockets of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of poverty and surplus”of poverty and surplus”

Despite these ideals Pres. Kennedy struggled to get Despite these ideals Pres. Kennedy struggled to get new program proposals through a conservative new program proposals through a conservative Republican & Southern Democratic congress Republican & Southern Democratic congress (medical care for the aged, aid education, etc…)(medical care for the aged, aid education, etc…)

Kennedy forever the politician tried to play it safe Kennedy forever the politician tried to play it safe politically but was able to get funding for defense, politically but was able to get funding for defense, the space program, & international aidthe space program, & international aid

As part of his deficit spending package Kennedy As part of his deficit spending package Kennedy was also able to increase the minimum wage to was also able to increase the minimum wage to $1.25 an hour & extend unemployment insurance$1.25 an hour & extend unemployment insurance

The Peace CorpsThe Peace Corps In 1961 Pres. Kennedy fulfilled his first campaign In 1961 Pres. Kennedy fulfilled his first campaign

promise when he established the Peace Corps, an promise when he established the Peace Corps, an organization to provide volunteers to help in organization to provide volunteers to help in impoverished nations of Asia, Africa, & Latin impoverished nations of Asia, Africa, & Latin America to win the “hearts & minds” of those people America to win the “hearts & minds” of those people as to prevent the communist influence thereas to prevent the communist influence there

Most volunteers for the Most volunteers for the Peace CorpsPeace Corps were just out were just out of college & worked as teachers, agricultural of college & worked as teachers, agricultural advisors, health aides in these countriesadvisors, health aides in these countries

By 1968 over 35,000 volunteers had served in 60 By 1968 over 35,000 volunteers had served in 60 nationsnations

The The Alliance for ProgressAlliance for Progress offered economic & offered economic & technical assistance to Latin American countriestechnical assistance to Latin American countries From 1961 to 1969 the U.S. invested $12 billion in L. From 1961 to 1969 the U.S. invested $12 billion in L.

America to prevent another Cuba from invading the Western America to prevent another Cuba from invading the Western hemisphere hemisphere

Race to the MoonRace to the Moon On April 12, 1961 Soviet cosmonaut On April 12, 1961 Soviet cosmonaut

Yuri A. Gagarin became the first human Yuri A. Gagarin became the first human in spacein space Less than a month later the U.S. duplicated Less than a month later the U.S. duplicated

the featthe feat Next the U.S. launched a communications Next the U.S. launched a communications

satellite called Telstar that could relay live satellite called Telstar that could relay live television pictures across the Atlantic oceantelevision pictures across the Atlantic ocean

The U.S. had begun construction on new The U.S. had begun construction on new NASA facilities on Cape Canaveral, Florida &NASA facilities on Cape Canaveral, Florida &a mission control center in Houston, Texasa mission control center in Houston, Texas

7 years later the space program would pay off when 7 years later the space program would pay off when on July 20, 1969 U.S. astronaut Neil Armstrong on July 20, 1969 U.S. astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the surface of the moon landed on the surface of the moon

The Space industry provided billions of dollars to The Space industry provided billions of dollars to American business & industryAmerican business & industry

Research done by this industry also provided the Research done by this industry also provided the American public with many new consumer goodsAmerican public with many new consumer goods

Pres. Kennedy with astronaut John Glenn

Poverty in AmericaPoverty in America While $ was spent on the space program While $ was spent on the space program

& on international aid many people & on international aid many people lived in povertylived in poverty

This problem was brought to the This problem was brought to the attention of America when Michael attention of America when Michael Harrington wrote the book Harrington wrote the book The Other The Other AmericaAmerica which profiled the 50 million which profiled the 50 million Americans that lived on less than $1,000 Americans that lived on less than $1,000 a person a person Most Americans were shocked at the Most Americans were shocked at the

large number of people in povertylarge number of people in poverty Kennedy had spent much of the first two Kennedy had spent much of the first two

years of his presidency on foreign policy years of his presidency on foreign policy now with the election nearing he began now with the election nearing he began to spend more time on domestic issuesto spend more time on domestic issues

Kennedy began a “national assault on Kennedy began a “national assault on the causes of poverty” & had his brother the causes of poverty” & had his brother Robert Kennedy (Attorney General) Robert Kennedy (Attorney General) begin to investigate racial injustices in begin to investigate racial injustices in the South & presented Congress with a the South & presented Congress with a new civil rights bill and a proposed $10 new civil rights bill and a proposed $10 billion dollar tax cutbillion dollar tax cut

Above: JFK meeting with Martin Luther King Jr.Below: JFK giving his State of the Union address

Civil Rights in AmericaCivil Rights in America

Civil Rights in Civil Rights in AmericaAmerica

In the United States in the 1960’s In the United States in the 1960’s segregation was the law of the landsegregation was the law of the land State sanctioned discrimination had State sanctioned discrimination had

perpetuated hate & racial bigotry in the perpetuated hate & racial bigotry in the south since the end of reconstructionsouth since the end of reconstruction

Businesses, restaurants, water fountains, Businesses, restaurants, water fountains, public transportation, movie theaters, public transportation, movie theaters, schools were all segregated into black & schools were all segregated into black & whitewhite

Jim Crow laws such as literacy tests, poll Jim Crow laws such as literacy tests, poll taxes, & basic discrimination had taxes, & basic discrimination had prevented millions of African-Americans prevented millions of African-Americans from not only voting but even registering from not only voting but even registering to vote in the southto vote in the south

The years of discrimination & repression The years of discrimination & repression of opportunities had forced the of opportunities had forced the overwhelming number of African-overwhelming number of African-Americans into a state of poverty & Americans into a state of poverty & despairdespair

Being treated as inferior and having Being treated as inferior and having unequal education and being denied unequal education and being denied access to jobs & resources had kept most access to jobs & resources had kept most A-A from advancing financially in the A-A from advancing financially in the southsouth

Civil RightsCivil Rights As part of the non-violence movement in As part of the non-violence movement in

February of 1960 the SNCC (Student Non-February of 1960 the SNCC (Student Non-Violence Coordinating Committee) organized Violence Coordinating Committee) organized African-American students from North African-American students from North Carolina’s Agricultural and Technical College Carolina’s Agricultural and Technical College to stage a sit-in at a whites only lunch counter to stage a sit-in at a whites only lunch counter at a Woolworth’s store in Greensboroat a Woolworth’s store in Greensboro These sit ins were covered on television & These sit ins were covered on television &

suddenly the whole country was able to see the suddenly the whole country was able to see the realities of racism in Americarealities of racism in America

Day after day news reporters captured the Day after day news reporters captured the scenes of beatings, verbal abuse, humiliation of scenes of beatings, verbal abuse, humiliation of food being food being dumped on students who refused to fight back dumped on students who refused to fight back

As more people became aware of the issue As more people became aware of the issue more sit-ins were organized even in the northmore sit-ins were organized even in the north

Stores removed counter seats, raised the price Stores removed counter seats, raised the price of food, & brought in the police but nothing of food, & brought in the police but nothing worked worked

Above: Woolworth storeBelow: Sit-in at the white only lunch counter

Sit-Ins Sit-Ins

Freedom RidersFreedom Riders In 1961 a groups of civil rights activists (white & black) In 1961 a groups of civil rights activists (white & black)

decided to draw attention to the failures of the Supreme decided to draw attention to the failures of the Supreme Court decision that banned segregation on all interstate buses Court decision that banned segregation on all interstate buses & bus terminals& bus terminals They planned a two bus trip that would test this lawThey planned a two bus trip that would test this law The first bus ran into violence at the Alabama line when it was The first bus ran into violence at the Alabama line when it was

stopped by white racists carrying chains, brass knuckles, & clubsstopped by white racists carrying chains, brass knuckles, & clubs The riders were brutally beaten but carried on to BirminghamThe riders were brutally beaten but carried on to Birmingham

The second bus ran into trouble in Anniston, Alabama when The second bus ran into trouble in Anniston, Alabama when 200 angry whites attacked it200 angry whites attacked it The mob followed the bus out of town and blew one of the tires The mob followed the bus out of town and blew one of the tires

out of the busout of the bus They smashed the windows and tossed a fire They smashed the windows and tossed a fire

bomb into itbomb into it The freedom riders escaped just moments The freedom riders escaped just moments

before the bus explodedbefore the bus exploded The bus company refused to take the The bus company refused to take the

freedom riders any fartherfreedom riders any farther A group of SNCC volunteers in Nashville A group of SNCC volunteers in Nashville

decided to pick up were the others stopped decided to pick up were the others stopped & rode into Birmingham again& rode into Birmingham again

Freedom RidersFreedom Riders When this new band of Freedom Riders When this new band of Freedom Riders

entered Birmingham policemen pulled entered Birmingham policemen pulled them from the bus, beat them, & drove them from the bus, beat them, & drove them back to Tennesseethem back to Tennessee The riders returned to their bus in The riders returned to their bus in

Birmingham but the driver refused to Birmingham but the driver refused to transport themtransport them

The riders then occupied the “whites only” The riders then occupied the “whites only” waiting room for 18 hours until Attorney General waiting room for 18 hours until Attorney General Robert Kennedy convinced the bus company to transport Robert Kennedy convinced the bus company to transport them them

The Freedom Riders then continued on to MontgomeryThe Freedom Riders then continued on to Montgomery Alabama officials promised RFK that the riders Alabama officials promised RFK that the riders

would be protectedwould be protected However when they arrived they were greeted by a mob of However when they arrived they were greeted by a mob of

angry whites only carrying bats & lead pipesangry whites only carrying bats & lead pipes John Doer a Justice Department official was with them in John Doer a Justice Department official was with them in

Montgomery & witnessed the beatings, being beaten Montgomery & witnessed the beatings, being beaten himselfhimself

Bloodied Freedom Riders

Freedom RidersFreedom Riders The violence provoked the The violence provoked the

response the freedom riders response the freedom riders wantedwanted Newspapers around the Newspapers around the

nation and abroad denounced nation and abroad denounced the beatingsthe beatings

President Kennedy arranged President Kennedy arranged to give the freedom riders to give the freedom riders direct support direct support

The Justice Department sent The Justice Department sent 400 U.S. marshals to protect 400 U.S. marshals to protect the riders for the rest of their the riders for the rest of their journey to Jackson, journey to Jackson, MississippiMississippi

As a result of all this the As a result of all this the Interstate Commerce Interstate Commerce Commission banned Commission banned segregation in all interstate segregation in all interstate travel facilities, including travel facilities, including waiting rooms, restrooms, waiting rooms, restrooms, and lunch countersand lunch counters

Civil RightsCivil Rights In September of 1962 Air Force veteran In September of 1962 Air Force veteran

James Meredith won a federal court case James Meredith won a federal court case that allowed him to enroll in the all-white that allowed him to enroll in the all-white University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

When Meredith arrived on campus, When Meredith arrived on campus, Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett refused to Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett refused to allow him to register as a studentallow him to register as a student

Pres. Kennedy ordered federal marshals Pres. Kennedy ordered federal marshals to escort Meredith to escort Meredith Gov. Barnett made a radio address that Gov. Barnett made a radio address that

called for “called for “every Mississippian to keep his every Mississippian to keep his faith and courage. We will never faith and courage. We will never surrendersurrender.” .”

White demonstrators showed up by the White demonstrators showed up by the thousandsthousands

On Sept. 30 riots broke out on campus On Sept. 30 riots broke out on campus resulting in 2 deathsresulting in 2 deaths It took thousands of soldiers & 15 hours to It took thousands of soldiers & 15 hours to

stop the riotersstop the rioters In the next several months federal In the next several months federal

officials accompanied Meredith to class officials accompanied Meredith to class & protected his family whose house was & protected his family whose house was shot atshot at

Federal officials escortingJames Meredith at Ole Miss

BirminghamBirmingham In the 1960’s Birmingham, Alabama was the most In the 1960’s Birmingham, Alabama was the most

segregated city in Americasegregated city in America Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth felt that it would be the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth felt that it would be the

perfect place to make a stand & test non-violenceperfect place to make a stand & test non-violence On April 12, 1963 Martin Luther King was arresting On April 12, 1963 Martin Luther King was arresting

during a demonstration during a demonstration While in jail king wrote a famous open letter titled While in jail king wrote a famous open letter titled

“Letter from a Birmingham Jail”“Letter from a Birmingham Jail” ““I guess it is easy for those who have never felt the I guess it is easy for those who have never felt the

stingingstinging darts of segregation to say, Wait.” But when you have darts of segregation to say, Wait.” But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at whim; whim; when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick, when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick, brutalize and even kill your black brothers and sisters;brutalize and even kill your black brothers and sisters;… … when you see the vast majority of your twenty million when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in the air-tight cage of Negro brothers smothering in the air-tight cage of poverty; poverty; … … when you have to concoct an answer for a five-year-when you have to concoct an answer for a five-year-old old son asking…’Daddy, why do white people treat colored son asking…’Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?’…then you will understand why we people so mean?’…then you will understand why we find find it difficult to wait.”it difficult to wait.”

Above: MLK with family

BirminghamBirmingham On April 20, King posted bail & began On April 20, King posted bail & began

planning more demonstrationsplanning more demonstrations On May 2 more than a thousand African-On May 2 more than a thousand African-

American children marched in Birmingham American children marched in Birmingham Police commissioner Eugene “Bull” Connor Police commissioner Eugene “Bull” Connor

arrested 959 of themarrested 959 of them The next day a second demonstration came The next day a second demonstration came

head to head with helmeted police force head to head with helmeted police force Police swept marchers off their feet w/ high Police swept marchers off their feet w/ high

pressure fire hoses, set attack dogs on them, & pressure fire hoses, set attack dogs on them, & clubbed those who fellclubbed those who fell

TV camera’s captured all of itTV camera’s captured all of it Continued protests, economic boycotts, and Continued protests, economic boycotts, and

negative media coverage finally convinced negative media coverage finally convinced Birmingham officials to end segregationBirmingham officials to end segregation

These actions finally convinced President These actions finally convinced President Kennedy Kennedy that only a new civil rights act could end racial that only a new civil rights act could end racial violence violence

Above: Attack dogs in Birmingham

Birmingham Police commissioner “Bull” Connor stopping protesters

Kennedy takes a standKennedy takes a stand On June 11, 1963 President Kennedy sent troops On June 11, 1963 President Kennedy sent troops

to force Alabama Governor George Wallace to to force Alabama Governor George Wallace to honor a court order to desegregate the Univ. of honor a court order to desegregate the Univ. of AlabamaAlabama

That evening Kennedy address the nation & asked That evening Kennedy address the nation & asked ““Are we to say to the world – and much more importantly Are we to say to the world – and much more importantly to each other – that this is the land of the free, except for the to each other – that this is the land of the free, except for the Negroes?”Negroes?”

Kennedy demanded that Congress pass a civil rights billKennedy demanded that Congress pass a civil rights bill In the hours just after Kennedy’s speech a sniper murdered In the hours just after Kennedy’s speech a sniper murdered

Medgar Evers, the NAACP field secretary and WWII veteran. Medgar Evers, the NAACP field secretary and WWII veteran. Police arrested white supremacist Byron de la Beckwith Police arrested white supremacist Byron de la Beckwith Beckwith was released after two trials resulted in hung juries Beckwith was released after two trials resulted in hung juries

This decision resulted in a new militancy movement in This decision resulted in a new militancy movement in African Americans African Americans Many began to demand “Freedom Now!”Many began to demand “Freedom Now!”

The March on The March on WashingtonWashington

The March on The March on WashingtonWashington

On August 28, 1963 more than On August 28, 1963 more than 250,000 people including 75,000 250,000 people including 75,000 whites converged on the nations whites converged on the nations capital to persuade Congress to capital to persuade Congress to pass the current Civil Rights bill pass the current Civil Rights bill

They assembled on the grassy They assembled on the grassy lawn of the Washington lawn of the Washington Monument & marched to the Monument & marched to the Lincoln MemorialLincoln Memorial A host of speakers demand the A host of speakers demand the

passage passage of the billof the bill

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. appeared appeared & gave his famous “& gave his famous “I have a I have a Dream” Dream” speech which appealed speech which appealed for racial harmony & peacefor racial harmony & peace

More ViolenceMore Violence Two weeks after the March Two weeks after the March

on Washington four on Washington four Birmingham girls were Birmingham girls were killed when a rider in a car killed when a rider in a car hurled a bomb through a hurled a bomb through a church window & blew up church window & blew up the churchthe church Two more African-Americans Two more African-Americans

died in the civil unrest that died in the civil unrest that followedfollowed

By the mid 1960’s By the mid 1960’s organizations such as the KKK organizations such as the KKK and the White Citizen’s and the White Citizen’s League became more violent League became more violent and more activeand more active

Above: KKK soliciting in downtown AtlantaBelow: Freedom march in Seattle

Four Days in NovemberFour Days in November On November 22, 1963 On November 22, 1963 Air Force One Air Force One

landed in Dallas, Texaslanded in Dallas, Texas President & Mrs. Kennedy & Vice President & Mrs. Kennedy & Vice

President Johnson had come to Texas to President Johnson had come to Texas to smooth over Democrats there in smooth over Democrats there in preparation for the 1964 electionpreparation for the 1964 election

Pres. Kennedy made an appearance Pres. Kennedy made an appearance in in

Fort Worth before going to DallasFort Worth before going to Dallas President Kennedy received a warm President Kennedy received a warm

welcome upon arrival as crowds lined welcome upon arrival as crowds lined the streets of downtown Dallas to see the streets of downtown Dallas to see himhim

Jacqueline & JFK sat in the back of an Jacqueline & JFK sat in the back of an open air limousine while Governor open air limousine while Governor John Connally & his wife sat in frontJohn Connally & his wife sat in front

Above: Pres. Kennedy speaking at Fort WorthBelow: Pres. & Mrs. Kennedy arriving in Dallas

Dealey PlazaDealey Plaza

Four Days in NovemberFour Days in November As the motorcade approached the As the motorcade approached the

state building known as the state building known as the Texas School Book Depository Texas School Book Depository Mrs. Connally turned to Pres. Mrs. Connally turned to Pres. Kennedy Kennedy & remarked “You can’t say that & remarked “You can’t say that Dallas isn’t friendly to you Dallas isn’t friendly to you today.” today.” A few seconds later shots rang outA few seconds later shots rang out

Above: Pres. Kennedy’s motorcade in DallasBelow: Crowd of school children lining the streets

AssassinationAssassination The first shot seemingly went over The first shot seemingly went over

the motorcade the motorcade Next a bullet struck Kennedy in the Next a bullet struck Kennedy in the

neck prompting him to lurch forward neck prompting him to lurch forward grasping at his neckgrasping at his neck

Governor Connally hearing the shots Governor Connally hearing the shots looked back over his shoulderlooked back over his shoulder

Gov. Connally was struck by the Gov. Connally was struck by the same bullet that had just hit Pres. same bullet that had just hit Pres. Kennedy in the neck Kennedy in the neck

The next shot seemingly from in front The next shot seemingly from in front of the motorcade hit Pres. Kennedy of the motorcade hit Pres. Kennedy in the head, fatally wounding himin the head, fatally wounding him

Jackie Kennedy then climbed onto Jackie Kennedy then climbed onto the back of the Presidential limo the back of the Presidential limo either trying to retrieve some brain either trying to retrieve some brain matter from JFK or trying to escape matter from JFK or trying to escape the shootingthe shooting

The motorcade raced to the hospital The motorcade raced to the hospital but Kennedy was dead on arrival but Kennedy was dead on arrival despite several attempts to revive despite several attempts to revive him him

Above: Polaroid of Kennedy after the first hit in the neckBelow: Presidential motorcade racing away

The AftermathThe Aftermath Bedlam ensued after the Bedlam ensued after the

assassination police raced to assassination police raced to find witnesses; people were find witnesses; people were left in shock & disbelief left in shock & disbelief

Much of the commotion was Much of the commotion was directed at the grassy knoll directed at the grassy knoll that was directly beside the that was directly beside the Presidential motorcade when Presidential motorcade when President Kennedy was hitPresident Kennedy was hit

Several famous photographs Several famous photographs were made of the were made of the assassination assassination Most notable of these was a Most notable of these was a

home movie taken from behind home movie taken from behind the the grassy knoll by Abraham grassy knoll by Abraham Zapruder Zapruder

AssassinationAssassination

The AftermathThe Aftermath For the next four days television For the next four days television

provided almost around the provided almost around the clock coverage of the clock coverage of the assassination the investigation assassination the investigation & the apprehension of the & the apprehension of the murderermurderer

Vice President Lyndon Johnson Vice President Lyndon Johnson taking the oath of office aboard taking the oath of office aboard Air Force OneAir Force One with Jackie at his with Jackie at his side was televisedside was televised The President’s body was loaded The President’s body was loaded

aboard Air Force One & sent with aboard Air Force One & sent with President Johnson back to President Johnson back to Washington for an autopsy Washington for an autopsy

Soon, audiences watched as Soon, audiences watched as Dallas police charged Lee Dallas police charged Lee Harvey Oswald with the murder Harvey Oswald with the murder of a local police officer & the of a local police officer & the President President

Above: Pres. Johnson being sworn in aboard Air Force 1Below: Pres. Kennedy’s casket being loaded aboard AF1

Four Days in NovemberFour Days in November Dallas police rushed to find clues and Dallas police rushed to find clues and

witnesseswitnesses Police checked both the School Book Police checked both the School Book

Depository as well as the grassy knoll Depository as well as the grassy knoll Although there were no eyewitnesses of Although there were no eyewitnesses of

his direct involvement the investigation his direct involvement the investigation immediately surrounded around a man immediately surrounded around a man named Lee Harvey Oswald named Lee Harvey Oswald

Above: Oswald being transfer between floorsBelow: Dealey Plaza in Dallas

Below: Oswald at a press conference after he was charged with the assassination of President Kennedy

Lee Harvey OswaldLee Harvey Oswald

Oswald was a 24 year old ex-Marine that had been dishonorable Oswald was a 24 year old ex-Marine that had been dishonorable discharged discharged

After his discharge Oswald lived for a brief time in the Soviet Union & After his discharge Oswald lived for a brief time in the Soviet Union & became a supporter of Castrobecame a supporter of Castro

Some believe that Oswald was a U.S. CIA agent & that was the reason for his Some believe that Oswald was a U.S. CIA agent & that was the reason for his Soviet ties & pro-Castro activitySoviet ties & pro-Castro activity

Oswald’s palm print was found on the rifle in the School Book Depository Oswald’s palm print was found on the rifle in the School Book Depository building building

Oswald himself was seen on the first floor of the building drinking a pop Oswald himself was seen on the first floor of the building drinking a pop moments after the shootingmoments after the shooting

Some doubt that he could have stashed the gun across the room & traveled down 7 Some doubt that he could have stashed the gun across the room & traveled down 7 flights of stairs in the time between the shots & police officers entering the buildingflights of stairs in the time between the shots & police officers entering the building

Oswald was apprehended in a Dallas movie theater hours after the Oswald was apprehended in a Dallas movie theater hours after the assassination when he entered without paying assassination when he entered without paying

Oswald was charged with shooting Officer Tippet a Dallas Police officer & Oswald was charged with shooting Officer Tippet a Dallas Police officer & later with the shooting of President Kennedylater with the shooting of President Kennedy

Lee Harvey Oswald while in the Soviet Union

Lee Harvey Oswald while in New Orleans

Oswald’s killedOswald’s killed

Oswald’s killedOswald’s killed

Jack RubyJack Ruby On Sunday November 24 as millions watched On Sunday November 24 as millions watched

on TV Oswald was to be transferred from on TV Oswald was to be transferred from Dallas city jail to a more secure locationDallas city jail to a more secure location

Live on television a nightclub owner from Live on television a nightclub owner from New Orleans with Mafia ties broke through New Orleans with Mafia ties broke through the crowd & shot Oswald fatally wounding the crowd & shot Oswald fatally wounding himhim

Ruby said that he just wanted to spare Ruby said that he just wanted to spare Jacqueline Kennedy from having to go Jacqueline Kennedy from having to go through a trialthrough a trial Many people dispute this Many people dispute this

simplistic reason and ask simplistic reason and ask how Ruby was able to get how Ruby was able to get into the guarded & secure into the guarded & secure basement in the first placebasement in the first place

Ruby would ask later to be Ruby would ask later to be brought to Washington to brought to Washington to tell his story but was never tell his story but was never allowed to & died of a disease allowed to & died of a disease in prison in prison

Above: Jack Ruby at a press conference before Oswald’s transfer

Above: Ruby at his N.O. NightclubBelow: Oswald moments before his shot

ConspiracyConspiracy The magnitude of the event left many people wondering The magnitude of the event left many people wondering

whywhy The country was in shockThe country was in shock All work stopped for the televised funeral of President All work stopped for the televised funeral of President

Kennedy as the nation mournedKennedy as the nation mourned Many eye witnesses claimed to have heard gunshots Many eye witnesses claimed to have heard gunshots

from a grassy knoll area in front of the motorcade & from a grassy knoll area in front of the motorcade & believed that a second shooter was involvedbelieved that a second shooter was involved

The possibility of a second shooter sparked conspiracy The possibility of a second shooter sparked conspiracy theoriestheories Many other bizarre events also fed fire to these thoughtsMany other bizarre events also fed fire to these thoughts

Oswald’s questionable pastOswald’s questionable past The unlikely hood of 3 shots being able to have done all the The unlikely hood of 3 shots being able to have done all the

damagedamage Mysterious police actionsMysterious police actions Suppression of some witnesses Suppression of some witnesses The Zapruder filmThe Zapruder film Jack Ruby with mob ties shooting OswaldJack Ruby with mob ties shooting Oswald

In the turmoil filled 60’s there were many groups to In the turmoil filled 60’s there were many groups to suspect of conspiracy such as the Communists, suspect of conspiracy such as the Communists, Organized Crime (Mob), pro-Castro forces, some even Organized Crime (Mob), pro-Castro forces, some even suspected the suspected the CIA & the American gov’t, especially the military CIA & the American gov’t, especially the military establishment that did not like Kennedy, especially after establishment that did not like Kennedy, especially after the Cuban Missile Crisis & Kennedy’s planned withdraw the Cuban Missile Crisis & Kennedy’s planned withdraw from Vietnamfrom Vietnam

Above: Kennedy’s body in the capitol Below: Kennedy’s funeral procession

The Warren CommissionThe Warren Commission In 1963 the In 1963 the Warren CommissionWarren Commission was created to was created to

investigate the Kennedy assassination investigate the Kennedy assassination This was a congressional committee headed by This was a congressional committee headed by

Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren that also Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren that also included such members as future President Gerald included such members as future President Gerald FordFord

Many witnesses were not allowed to testify for the Many witnesses were not allowed to testify for the Warren Commission and not all of the available Warren Commission and not all of the available evidence was givenevidence was given Much of the commission’s time was spent on proving Much of the commission’s time was spent on proving

Oswald guilt alone & no true investigation to a Oswald guilt alone & no true investigation to a possibility of a conspiracy existedpossibility of a conspiracy existed

The Magic Bullet theory arose when the commission The Magic Bullet theory arose when the commission concluded that only three shots were fired from the concluded that only three shots were fired from the School Book Depository Building School Book Depository Building

They agreed that one of the shots missed, leaving only two They agreed that one of the shots missed, leaving only two to injure both Pres. Kennedy and Governor Connally and to injure both Pres. Kennedy and Governor Connally and one for the fatal head woundone for the fatal head wound

This magic bullet supposedly entered Pres. Kennedy in the This magic bullet supposedly entered Pres. Kennedy in the back, exited & hit Gov. Connally in the shoulder, exited, back, exited & hit Gov. Connally in the shoulder, exited, hit Connally on the wrist, then lodged itself in his leg hit Connally on the wrist, then lodged itself in his leg changing directions several timeschanging directions several times

Another bullet supposedly from the head wound was found Another bullet supposedly from the head wound was found on the President’s stretcheron the President’s stretcher

The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald had The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald had been acting alonebeen acting alone

Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren

Congressman & Future President Gerald Ford

Magic BulletMagic Bullet

Weird Assassination Weird Assassination FactsFacts Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.

John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. Both wives lost their children while living in the White Both wives lost their children while living in the White House. House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. Both Presidents were shot in the head. Both Presidents were shot in the head.

Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy. Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy. Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln. Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln.

Both were assassinated by Southerners. Both were assassinated by Southerners. Both were succeeded by Southerners named JohnsonBoth were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.1908.

Weird Assassination FactsWeird Assassination Facts John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln,

was born in 1839. was born in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939. Kennedy, was born in 1939.    

Both assassins were known by their three Both assassins were known by their three names. names. Both names are composed of fifteen letters. Both names are composed of fifteen letters.

Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford.' Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford.' Kennedy was shot in a car called ' Lincoln' Kennedy was shot in a car called ' Lincoln' made by 'Ford.' made by 'Ford.'

Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse. ran and hid in a warehouse. Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater. assassin ran and hid in a theater.

Booth and Oswald were assassinated before Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.their trials.

Lyndon Baines JohnsonLyndon Baines Johnson

Born a fourth generation Texan to a low middle class familyBorn a fourth generation Texan to a low middle class family Worked one year in a minority school in Cotulla, Texas to finance Worked one year in a minority school in Cotulla, Texas to finance

his education from South West Texas State Teachers Collegehis education from South West Texas State Teachers College Became a public speaking & debate teacher in 1930 and taught in Became a public speaking & debate teacher in 1930 and taught in

Sam Houston High School in Houston, TexasSam Houston High School in Houston, Texas At age 26 he began the state director of the National Youth At age 26 he began the state director of the National Youth

Administration Administration LBJ entered politics in 1937 to fill a vacancy in the U.S. House of LBJ entered politics in 1937 to fill a vacancy in the U.S. House of

Representatives Representatives In congress Johnson caught the eye of Pres. Roosevelt who helped In congress Johnson caught the eye of Pres. Roosevelt who helped

him to secure key committee assignments him to secure key committee assignments In 1948 Johnson won the Democratic primary for Senate by a In 1948 Johnson won the Democratic primary for Senate by a

margin of 87 votes out of 988,000 he went on to win the general margin of 87 votes out of 988,000 he went on to win the general election election

Johnson proved to be a masterful politician and rose to the rank of Johnson proved to be a masterful politician and rose to the rank of Senate Majority leader in 1955 Senate Majority leader in 1955 youngest majority leader ever at youngest majority leader ever at 4646

He was the driving force behind the Civil Rights Bill of 1957He was the driving force behind the Civil Rights Bill of 1957

The Great SocietyThe Great Society Johnson began his presidency by Johnson began his presidency by

urging congress to pass the civil urging congress to pass the civil rights & tax-cut bills that Pres. rights & tax-cut bills that Pres. Kennedy had sent to Capitol hillKennedy had sent to Capitol hill

In February 1964 Congress passed a In February 1964 Congress passed a tax reduction bill of $10 billion dollars tax reduction bill of $10 billion dollars which spurred economic growth which spurred economic growth

In July, Johnson pushed the Civil Rights In July, Johnson pushed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through congressAct of 1964 through congress Johnson was able to use his influence to Johnson was able to use his influence to

persuade Southern senators not to block the persuade Southern senators not to block the passage of this billpassage of this bill

Strom Thurmond was the leader of the southern Strom Thurmond was the leader of the southern senators in opposition to this billsenators in opposition to this bill

The bill prohibited discrimination based on The bill prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, and sexrace, religion, national origin, and sex

Senator Strom Thurmond from South Carolina

LBJ’s War on PovertyLBJ’s War on Poverty Working with impoverished children before Working with impoverished children before

entering politics shaped Lyndon Johnson’s entering politics shaped Lyndon Johnson’s political agendapolitical agenda He was determined to end poverty in America & had He was determined to end poverty in America & had

developed great ideas for how to do thisdeveloped great ideas for how to do this In 1964 LBJ announced a war on poverty in In 1964 LBJ announced a war on poverty in

America America In August of 1964 Congress enacted the In August of 1964 Congress enacted the

Economic Opportunity ActEconomic Opportunity Act approving nearly approving nearly $1 billion for youth programs, anti-poverty $1 billion for youth programs, anti-poverty measures, small-business loans, and job trainingmeasures, small-business loans, and job training Created the Job Corps Youth Training ProgramCreated the Job Corps Youth Training Program VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America)VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) Project Head Start, an education program for Project Head Start, an education program for

underprivileged preschoolersunderprivileged preschoolers The Community Action Program, which encouraged The Community Action Program, which encouraged

poor people to participate in public works programspoor people to participate in public works programs

Election of 1964Election of 1964 In 1964 Republicans nominated Barry In 1964 Republicans nominated Barry

Goldwater of Arizona to opposed JohnsonGoldwater of Arizona to opposed Johnson Goldwater believed the federal gov’t had no Goldwater believed the federal gov’t had no

business trying to right social and economic wrongs business trying to right social and economic wrongs such as poverty, discrimination, & lack of opportunity such as poverty, discrimination, & lack of opportunity

Goldwater also scared people by hinting that the U.S. Goldwater also scared people by hinting that the U.S. should use nuclear weapons on Cuba & North should use nuclear weapons on Cuba & North Vietnam Vietnam

LBJ won in a landslide getting 61% of the LBJ won in a landslide getting 61% of the popular vote & 486 electoral votes to popular vote & 486 electoral votes to Goldwater’s 52Goldwater’s 52

Democrats also increased their majority in Democrats also increased their majority in congress making reliance on Southern congress making reliance on Southern Democrats for votes unnecessary Democrats for votes unnecessary

The Great SocietyThe Great Society Like his idol FDR, Pres. Johnson wanted to change Like his idol FDR, Pres. Johnson wanted to change

AmericaAmerica He envisioned an America without poverty and social He envisioned an America without poverty and social

injustices and pushed 206 acts through Congress during injustices and pushed 206 acts through Congress during his presidency to accomplish thishis presidency to accomplish this

Johnson’s plan did involve government even more in the Johnson’s plan did involve government even more in the lives of Americans & increased the power of the Federal lives of Americans & increased the power of the Federal governmentgovernment

Greatest increase in gov’t legislation since FDR & the Greatest increase in gov’t legislation since FDR & the New DealNew Deal

Education was a prime target of Johnson’s Great Education was a prime target of Johnson’s Great Society programsSociety programs Johnson said that educations was “Johnson said that educations was “the key which can the key which can

unlock the door to the Great Societyunlock the door to the Great Society”” The The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of Elementary and Secondary Education Act of

19651965 Gave $1 billion in federal aid to help public and parochial schools Gave $1 billion in federal aid to help public and parochial schools

to purchase textbooks and new library materialsto purchase textbooks and new library materials 11stst major federal aide package for education in the nation’s major federal aide package for education in the nation’s

historyhistory

The Great SocietyThe Great Society LBJ and Congress established Medicare and Medicaid in 1965LBJ and Congress established Medicare and Medicaid in 1965

MedicareMedicare: provided hospital insurance & low-cost medical : provided hospital insurance & low-cost medical insurance for almost every American 65 or overinsurance for almost every American 65 or over

MedicaidMedicaid: extended health insurance to welfare recipients: extended health insurance to welfare recipients LBJ established the Department of Housing & Urban LBJ established the Department of Housing & Urban

Development (HUD)Development (HUD) Johnson then appointed Robert Weaver to be the Secretary of HUD; Johnson then appointed Robert Weaver to be the Secretary of HUD;

Weaver became the first African-American cabinet member in U.S. Weaver became the first African-American cabinet member in U.S. historyhistory

LBJ also passed the LBJ also passed the Immigration Act of 1965Immigration Act of 1965 this reversed this reversed the previous immigration practices that discriminated strongly the previous immigration practices that discriminated strongly against people from outside western Europeagainst people from outside western Europe Immigration prior to the 1965 Act only allowed a % of people based Immigration prior to the 1965 Act only allowed a % of people based

on the number of people from that country already in the U.S. on the number of people from that country already in the U.S. Since most people in the U.S. at that time were from Western Since most people in the U.S. at that time were from Western

Europe & not Asia or Eastern Europe then these groups could not Europe & not Asia or Eastern Europe then these groups could not immigrate to the U.S.immigrate to the U.S.

Johnson passed the Johnson passed the Water Quality Act of 1965Water Quality Act of 1965 that required that required states to clean up rivers & search out the worst chemical states to clean up rivers & search out the worst chemical polluters to prevent them from using rivers to dump toxic wastepolluters to prevent them from using rivers to dump toxic waste

LBJ also convinced congress to pass laws that forced accurate LBJ also convinced congress to pass laws that forced accurate labels on foods & higher safety standards on automobileslabels on foods & higher safety standards on automobiles

The Supreme Court The Supreme Court As the gov’t began to assume power with much legislation & As the gov’t began to assume power with much legislation &

reforms the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren reforms the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren began to take actionbegan to take action

They banned prayer in public schools & ironically increased They banned prayer in public schools & ironically increased the support to freedom of speech, especially for anti-war the support to freedom of speech, especially for anti-war protestsprotests

In a landmark decision in In a landmark decision in Baker v. Carr 1962 Baker v. Carr 1962 the SC said that the SC said that they had the right to tell states to reapportion their districts for they had the right to tell states to reapportion their districts for federal representatives to be representative of the population of federal representatives to be representative of the population of the statesthe states

States had left their districts the same despite an increased shift States had left their districts the same despite an increased shift in the population to urban areasin the population to urban areas Thus giving more power to the rural areas who had less people per Thus giving more power to the rural areas who had less people per

representative than did the urban areas who often times had a large representative than did the urban areas who often times had a large African-American minorityAfrican-American minority

In In Gideon v. Wainwright 1963 Gideon v. Wainwright 1963 the SC ruled that criminal courts the SC ruled that criminal courts had to provide free legal counsel to those who couldn’t afford ithad to provide free legal counsel to those who couldn’t afford it

In In Escobedo v. Illinois 1964Escobedo v. Illinois 1964 they ruled that a person accused of a they ruled that a person accused of a crime had the right to have a lawyer present during police crime had the right to have a lawyer present during police questioning questioning

Supreme Court Chief JusticeEarl Warren

The Warren CourtThe Warren Court Miranda v. Arizona 1964 Miranda v. Arizona 1964 The Court ruled that citizens must be informed of their rights The Court ruled that citizens must be informed of their rights

prior to questioning prior to questioning Any evidence or statement obtained prior to a suspect being read Any evidence or statement obtained prior to a suspect being read

his/her rights is inadmissiblehis/her rights is inadmissible Now known as the Miranda RightsNow known as the Miranda Rights

"You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can, and will "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can, and will be used be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you."afford one, one will be appointed for you."

Engel v. Vitale 1962Engel v. Vitale 1962 New York State Board of Regents wrote and adopted a prayer New York State Board of Regents wrote and adopted a prayer

which was supposed to be nondenominational which was supposed to be nondenominational The school argued that the prayer was nondenominational and did The school argued that the prayer was nondenominational and did

not attempt to "establish or endorse" a religion and thus that it did not attempt to "establish or endorse" a religion and thus that it did not violate the establishment clause. not violate the establishment clause.

The court ruled Prayer in schools was to be considered The court ruled Prayer in schools was to be considered unconstitutional unconstitutional

The Warren CourtThe Warren Court The Supreme Court ruled in The Supreme Court ruled in Griswold v. ConnecticutGriswold v. Connecticut 19651965 that the that the Constitution protects an individuals Constitution protects an individuals general right to privacygeneral right to privacy The case involved a Connecticut law that The case involved a Connecticut law that

prohibited the use of contraceptives. prohibited the use of contraceptives. By a vote of 7-2, the Supreme Court invalidated By a vote of 7-2, the Supreme Court invalidated

the law on the grounds that it violated the "right to marital the law on the grounds that it violated the "right to marital privacy." privacy."

Said that the right to privacy was implied by the 3Said that the right to privacy was implied by the 3rdrd, 4, 4thth and 5 and 5thth AmendmentsAmendments

33rdrd: No quartering of troops in any house….: No quartering of troops in any house…. 44thth: Right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, : Right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers,

and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures….and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures…. 55thth: private property be taken for public use……: private property be taken for public use……

The Supreme Court under Warren expanded the The Supreme Court under Warren expanded the scope of individual rightsscope of individual rights

Criminal Rights, Right to Privacy, etc…Criminal Rights, Right to Privacy, etc…

The Warren Supreme Court

Legacy of the Great Legacy of the Great SocietySociety

Many people debate the effectiveness Many people debate the effectiveness of the Great Society programs but of the Great Society programs but there is little debate that it was the there is little debate that it was the largest increase in the power & largest increase in the power & influence of the federal government influence of the federal government since FDRsince FDR

The war on poverty helped many The war on poverty helped many poor people poor people Unemployment dropped from 21% in Unemployment dropped from 21% in

1962 to 11% in 1973 1962 to 11% in 1973 Johnson’s massive tax cut spurred Johnson’s massive tax cut spurred

the economy but left the country with the economy but left the country with a large budget deficit a large budget deficit Much of this was caused by the large cost Much of this was caused by the large cost

of of

the Vietnam warthe Vietnam war

Above: LBJ throwing out the first pitchBelow: LBJ working the phones pushing legislation

Fighting for Voting Fighting for Voting Rights Rights

In 1964 the Congress Of Racial Equality In 1964 the Congress Of Racial Equality (CORE) and SNCC workers in the South began (CORE) and SNCC workers in the South began registering as many African-Americans as they registering as many African-Americans as they could to vote could to vote

The project became known as The project became known as Freedom Freedom SummerSummer

Activists knew that the more African-Americans Activists knew that the more African-Americans that voted the more politicians were going to that voted the more politicians were going to listen to their views & the easier it would be for listen to their views & the easier it would be for civil rights legislation to passcivil rights legislation to pass

These activists, white & black faced extreme These activists, white & black faced extreme discrimination & violencediscrimination & violence

In June of 1964 three civil rights workers and In June of 1964 three civil rights workers and one summer volunteer disappeared in Neshoba one summer volunteer disappeared in Neshoba County, Mississippi County, Mississippi Authorities later found that Klansmen & local Authorities later found that Klansmen & local

police had murdered three of the men (2 of whom police had murdered three of the men (2 of whom were white)were white)

Racial beatings, murders, church bombings, Racial beatings, murders, church bombings, home bombings, cross burnings continued all home bombings, cross burnings continued all throughout the summerthroughout the summer

Above: Civil Rights workers 1964Below: Voter registration in the south

Mississippi BurningMississippi Burning

Selma, AlabamaSelma, Alabama At the start of 1965 the SCLC At the start of 1965 the SCLC

conducted a major voting rights conducted a major voting rights campaigncampaign By the end of 1965 over 2,000 A-A By the end of 1965 over 2,000 A-A

had been arrested in SCLC had been arrested in SCLC demonstrationsdemonstrations

Demonstrator Jimmy Lee Jackson Demonstrator Jimmy Lee Jackson was shot & killedwas shot & killed

After this death Martin Luther King, After this death Martin Luther King, Jr. announced a 50 mile protest Jr. announced a 50 mile protest march from Selma to Montgomery march from Selma to Montgomery (state capital) (state capital)

On March 7, 1965 about 600 On March 7, 1965 about 600 protesters set out for Montgomeryprotesters set out for Montgomery That night television camera’s That night television camera’s

captured the mayhem that ensued captured the mayhem that ensued Police swung whips & clubs, and Police swung whips & clubs, and

shot cans of tear gas into the crowdsshot cans of tear gas into the crowds On March 21, 1965 3,000 marchers On March 21, 1965 3,000 marchers

again set out for Montgomery, this again set out for Montgomery, this time with federal protection time with federal protection Soon the number of marchers grew Soon the number of marchers grew

to 25,000to 25,000

Above & Below: MLK marching on Montgomery for voting rights in 1965

Voting Rights Act of Voting Rights Act of 19651965

Two weeks after the Selma-Montgomery Two weeks after the Selma-Montgomery

March Congress passed the March Congress passed the Voting Voting

Rights Act of 1965Rights Act of 1965 This act eliminated literacy tests that had This act eliminated literacy tests that had

disqualified many votersdisqualified many voters It also stated that federal examiners can grant It also stated that federal examiners can grant

the right to vote to individuals if the states are the right to vote to individuals if the states are

denying them suffragedenying them suffrage In Selma the proportion of A-A registered to In Selma the proportion of A-A registered to

vote raised from 10% in ’64 to 60% in ’68vote raised from 10% in ’64 to 60% in ’68 The overall percentage of A-A voters in the The overall percentage of A-A voters in the

South tripled South tripled

MLK at church speaking about the Voter Rights Act of 1965

Northern SegregationNorthern Segregation In the North segregation wasn’t the law but de facto In the North segregation wasn’t the law but de facto

segregation which was segregation that exists by segregation which was segregation that exists by practice & custompractice & custom De facto segregation is harder to end than de jure De facto segregation is harder to end than de jure

segregation (seg. by law) because if there are no laws to segregation (seg. by law) because if there are no laws to change then you have to change people’s attitudes change then you have to change people’s attitudes

After World War II many AA moved into the inner After World War II many AA moved into the inner cities & whites moved out to the suburbscities & whites moved out to the suburbs With AA getting paid less than white suburbanites tax dollars With AA getting paid less than white suburbanites tax dollars

from areas like the inner city were small & so public from areas like the inner city were small & so public transportation & facilities, especially schools declined rapidlytransportation & facilities, especially schools declined rapidly

When these schools became inadequate it prevented other AA When these schools became inadequate it prevented other AA from receiving the education needed to raise them out of the from receiving the education needed to raise them out of the state of poverty & perpetuated the condition state of poverty & perpetuated the condition

Housing in the inner city deteriorated to slums run by Housing in the inner city deteriorated to slums run by landlords who didn’t comply with health & housing landlords who didn’t comply with health & housing ordinancesordinances

Unemployment in the inner city rose to disproportionately Unemployment in the inner city rose to disproportionately high rateshigh rates

In many cities realtors would not sell homes in the In many cities realtors would not sell homes in the suburbs to those African-American families that could suburbs to those African-American families that could afford itafford it

March on ChicagoMarch on Chicago In 1966 MLK led a campaign in In 1966 MLK led a campaign in

Chicago to end de facto Chicago to end de facto segregation & create an “open segregation & create an “open city”city”

On July 10 King led 30,000 AA in a On July 10 King led 30,000 AA in a march on City Hallmarch on City Hall

In late July King led demonstrators In late July King led demonstrators through a predominately white through a predominately white Chicago neighborhood while angry Chicago neighborhood while angry whites threw rocks & bottles at whites threw rocks & bottles at himhim

On August 5 hostile whites stoned On August 5 hostile whites stoned King as he led 600 marchers King as he led 600 marchers

In all little was accomplished in In all little was accomplished in Chicago compared to the marches Chicago compared to the marches in Birmingham & other southern in Birmingham & other southern cities cities

MLK after being hit by a rock in a Chicago neighborhood

J. Edgar Hoover vs. MLKJ. Edgar Hoover vs. MLK

“ “We must mark [King] now, if We must mark [King] now, if we have not before, as the we have not before, as the most dangerous Negro in the most dangerous Negro in the future of this nation from the future of this nation from the standpoint of communism, the standpoint of communism, the Negro, and national security. Negro, and national security.

……..it may be unrealistic ..it may be unrealistic to limit [our actions against to limit [our actions against King] to legalistic proofs that King] to legalistic proofs that would stand up in court or would stand up in court or before Congressional before Congressional Committees” Committees”

Text from a classified memo fromHoover in the FBI files about MLK

Race Riots Race Riots Violence began to erupt in cities in the North in the mid-60’sViolence began to erupt in cities in the North in the mid-60’s In NYC in July of 1964 in a confrontation between a group of AA In NYC in July of 1964 in a confrontation between a group of AA

teens & some white police officers ended in the death of a 15 teens & some white police officers ended in the death of a 15 year old studentyear old student

This sparked a riot in HarlemThis sparked a riot in Harlem On August 11, 1965, five days after LBJ signed the Voting Rights On August 11, 1965, five days after LBJ signed the Voting Rights

Act violent riots raged in the predominantly AA Watts Act violent riots raged in the predominantly AA Watts neighborhood in Los Angles broke outneighborhood in Los Angles broke out

police arrested an African American but people were angry and police arrested an African American but people were angry and frustrated over a series of police abuses & poor living conditionsfrustrated over a series of police abuses & poor living conditions

34 people were killed, 1,032 injuries, 4,000 arrests, & hundred of 34 people were killed, 1,032 injuries, 4,000 arrests, & hundred of millions of dollars of property was destroyedmillions of dollars of property was destroyed

In 1967 more than 100 race riots took place in America’s major In 1967 more than 100 race riots took place in America’s major citiescities

Many whites couldn’t understand why AA were so upsetMany whites couldn’t understand why AA were so upset They felt that AA had achieved so many victories in the south why They felt that AA had achieved so many victories in the south why

were they still upsetwere they still upset By the late 60’s much of the money for LBJ’s Great Society had By the late 60’s much of the money for LBJ’s Great Society had

been diverted to the growing war in Vietnambeen diverted to the growing war in Vietnam

Pictures from the race riots in the Watts section of L.A.

Black PowerBlack Power The violence & riots that sprung up around the The violence & riots that sprung up around the

country was not caused just by hateful whites it country was not caused just by hateful whites it was also caused by African-Americans that began was also caused by African-Americans that began to demand equalityto demand equality

As the civil rights movement progress it gave rise As the civil rights movement progress it gave rise to people with much different methods than the to people with much different methods than the non-violent resistance preached by MLKnon-violent resistance preached by MLK

Leaders such as Malcolm X emerged who proclaimed early Leaders such as Malcolm X emerged who proclaimed early the the “If you think we are here to tell you to love the white “If you think we are here to tell you to love the white man, you have come to the wrong place”man, you have come to the wrong place”

Black Power became the calling cry for many AA’s during Black Power became the calling cry for many AA’s during this timethis time

This movement had some positive effect for AA’s but also This movement had some positive effect for AA’s but also caused many to hate all whites & this sparked more caused many to hate all whites & this sparked more violenceviolence

This violence by African-Americans in many cases only This violence by African-Americans in many cases only worked to reinforce the beliefs of many whites that African-worked to reinforce the beliefs of many whites that African-Americans and whites could not live together peacefully Americans and whites could not live together peacefully

Malcolm XMalcolm X Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little & was sent to jail Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little & was sent to jail

at the age of 20 for burglaryat the age of 20 for burglary In prison he studied the teachings of Elijah Muhammad In prison he studied the teachings of Elijah Muhammad

the head of the the head of the Nation of IslamNation of Islam or the Black Muslims or the Black Muslims Malcolm dropped his Malcolm dropped his slave nameslave name & became Malcolm X & became Malcolm X Malcolm became an Islamic minister in 1952 after being Malcolm became an Islamic minister in 1952 after being

released from prisonreleased from prison Malcolm was a brilliant thinker & engaging speaker Malcolm was a brilliant thinker & engaging speaker

that developed quite a followingthat developed quite a following Malcolm X preached the teachings of Elijah Muhammad Malcolm X preached the teachings of Elijah Muhammad

that whites were the cause of the black condition and that whites were the cause of the black condition and that blacks should separate from white society that blacks should separate from white society

Many African-Americans were drawn to Malcolm’s ideas Many African-Americans were drawn to Malcolm’s ideas because the movement had aroused a new since of racial because the movement had aroused a new since of racial pridepride

In stark contrast to MLK, Malcolm X advocated self-In stark contrast to MLK, Malcolm X advocated self-defense against white violence defense against white violence Because of these controversial views Malcolm X received Because of these controversial views Malcolm X received

a great deal of publicity a great deal of publicity His call for self-defense frightened most whites & His call for self-defense frightened most whites &

many moderate AA’smany moderate AA’s The attention that Malcolm X received sparked The attention that Malcolm X received sparked

resentment in some of the other members of the resentment in some of the other members of the Nation of IslamNation of Islam

Above: Malcolm XBelow: Elijah Muhammad

City Desk w/ Malcolm XCity Desk w/ Malcolm X

J. Edgar Hoover vs. J. Edgar Hoover vs. Malcolm XMalcolm X

Infiltrators in the Nation of Infiltrators in the Nation of Islam spread rumors and Islam spread rumors and provoked conflict between provoked conflict between Malcolm X, Elijah Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad and other Muhammad and other leadersleaders

FBI sought to create FBI sought to create dissention, conflict, and dissention, conflict, and violenceviolence

Took credit for provoking Took credit for provoking the assassination of the assassination of Malcolm X in 1965Malcolm X in 1965

Troubles in the Nation of Troubles in the Nation of IslamIslam

In March of 1964 Malcolm X broke with In March of 1964 Malcolm X broke with Elijah Muhammad over differences in Elijah Muhammad over differences in strategy & doctrinestrategy & doctrine He formed another Muslim groupHe formed another Muslim group

In April Malcolm X went on a pilgrimage to Mecca In April Malcolm X went on a pilgrimage to Mecca (in Saudi Arabia) that was required of followers of (in Saudi Arabia) that was required of followers of orthodox Islamorthodox Islam

In Mecca Malcolm learned that orthodox Islam In Mecca Malcolm learned that orthodox Islam preached racial equality preached racial equality While in Mecca, Malcolm worshiped alongside people While in Mecca, Malcolm worshiped alongside people

from many countries & many racesfrom many countries & many races Said Malcolm of his trip to Mecca Said Malcolm of his trip to Mecca “I have [prayed]….with fellow “I have [prayed]….with fellow

Muslims whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the Muslims whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white.”blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white.”

When Malcolm returned from Mecca he arrived a changed When Malcolm returned from Mecca he arrived a changed person.person. His views on violent revolt & hatred for whites were replaced with His views on violent revolt & hatred for whites were replaced with

a new attitude of cooperation & tolerancea new attitude of cooperation & tolerance On February 21, 1965 while giving a speech in Harlem the 39 On February 21, 1965 while giving a speech in Harlem the 39

year old Malcolm X was shot & killed by members of the year old Malcolm X was shot & killed by members of the Nation of IslamNation of Islam

Growing UnrestGrowing Unrest In 1966, James Meredith, the man who In 1966, James Meredith, the man who

had integrated Ole Miss University set had integrated Ole Miss University set out on a 225 mile “walk against fear” out on a 225 mile “walk against fear” from Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippifrom Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi Along the way he was shot & too injured Along the way he was shot & too injured

to continueto continue MLK of the SCLC and Stokely MLK of the SCLC and Stokely

Carmichael of the SNCC decided to Carmichael of the SNCC decided to finish Meredith’s marchfinish Meredith’s march Along the march Stokely Carmichael set Along the march Stokely Carmichael set

up a tent on the grounds of an all-black up a tent on the grounds of an all-black high school in Greenwood, Miss.high school in Greenwood, Miss.

The police arrested him The police arrested him Later Carmichael arrived at a rally with Later Carmichael arrived at a rally with

his face swollen from a beating suffered his face swollen from a beating suffered while in custody & incited the crowdwhile in custody & incited the crowd

Carmichael begins to advocate Black Carmichael begins to advocate Black Power & for AA to take pride in Power & for AA to take pride in themselves & no longer take the abuse themselves & no longer take the abuse from whitesfrom whites

Above: James Meredith beside the road after being shot on his “walk against fear”Below: Stokely Carmichael at a rally calling for Black Power

Black Panthers Black Panthers In 1966 in response to the growing In 1966 in response to the growing

radicalism in the fight for AA radicalism in the fight for AA equality a new political party equality a new political party formed in Oakland, California ; the formed in Oakland, California ; the Black PanthersBlack Panthers

The party advocated self-The party advocated self-sufficiency in AA communities and sufficiency in AA communities and full employment and decent full employment and decent housing housing

They also believed that AA’s should They also believed that AA’s should be exempt from further military be exempt from further military service in Vietnam b/c of the service in Vietnam b/c of the already disproportionate number of already disproportionate number of AA’s draftedAA’s drafted

They dressed themselves in black They dressed themselves in black leather jackets, black berets, & leather jackets, black berets, & sunglassessunglasses

They preached self-defense & sold They preached self-defense & sold copies of the writings of Mao copies of the writings of Mao Zedong (leader of China’s Zedong (leader of China’s communist revolution)communist revolution)

A number of violent altercations A number of violent altercations took place between members of the took place between members of the Black Panthers & police & the FBI Black Panthers & police & the FBI investigated them heavilyinvestigated them heavily

The Panthers however also did The Panthers however also did many good things in the many good things in the communitiescommunities

Established daycare centersEstablished daycare centers Free breakfast programsFree breakfast programs Free medical clinicsFree medical clinics Assisted the homeless Assisted the homeless

MemphisMemphis After two sanitation workers After two sanitation workers

in Memphis were killed while in Memphis were killed while seeking shelter in the back of seeking shelter in the back of a garbage truck because a garbage truck because they were denied entrance they were denied entrance into the all white lobby of the into the all white lobby of the company MLK led a company MLK led a demonstration in Memphis demonstration in Memphis that faced police violencethat faced police violence

MLK AssassinationMLK Assassination Martin Luther King objected Martin Luther King objected

to the Black power movement to the Black power movement & felt that these violent ways & felt that these violent ways would only lead to more would only lead to more problemsproblems

On April 3, 1968 King On April 3, 1968 King addressed a crowd in addressed a crowd in Memphis where he was Memphis where he was striking for the garbage striking for the garbage workers there & made an workers there & made an eerie speech that was almost eerie speech that was almost a premonition a premonition

The next day April 4, 1968 The next day April 4, 1968 while standing with friends while standing with friends on his hotel balcony MLK was on his hotel balcony MLK was murdered by James Earl Ray murdered by James Earl Ray when he was shot from afar when he was shot from afar with a high powered riflewith a high powered rifle

Above: Friends of MLK pointingto the location of the shooterRight: James Earl Ray

Right: MLK with friends including Jesse Jackson moments before he was assassinated

MLK AssassinationMLK Assassination The night that MLK was killed The night that MLK was killed

Robert F. Kennedy was campaigning Robert F. Kennedy was campaigning for the Democratic presidential for the Democratic presidential nomination in Indianapolis, Indiana nomination in Indianapolis, Indiana Despite warnings of possible violence Despite warnings of possible violence

Robert Kennedy arrived anyway & made Robert Kennedy arrived anyway & made an impassioned speech imploring non-an impassioned speech imploring non-violence violence

Despite Kennedy’s plea urban rioting Despite Kennedy’s plea urban rioting took place in over 100 cities took place in over 100 cities including Baltimore, Chicago, Kansas including Baltimore, Chicago, Kansas City, and Washington D.C.City, and Washington D.C.

Thousands marched with MLK’s Thousands marched with MLK’s casket during his funeral casket during his funeral

MLK funeral precession

Legacy of the Civil Rights Legacy of the Civil Rights MovementMovement

One of the legacies of the CR Movement One of the legacies of the CR Movement was that it infused African Americans was that it infused African Americans with greater pride in their racial identity with greater pride in their racial identity

The “Color bar” in entertainment was The “Color bar” in entertainment was lifted & more minorities were seen on lifted & more minorities were seen on televisiontelevision

By 1970 2/3 of eligible African American By 1970 2/3 of eligible African American voters were registered to votevoters were registered to vote Because of this many more AA’s were elected to Because of this many more AA’s were elected to

officeoffice Support for the Civil Rights movement Support for the Civil Rights movement

among whites declined as urban riots & among whites declined as urban riots & groups such as the Black Panthers came groups such as the Black Panthers came alongalong

Affirmative ActionAffirmative Action By the 1990’s white flight to the suburbs By the 1990’s white flight to the suburbs

reversed the progress of school integrationreversed the progress of school integration Suddenly minority students were in schools with Suddenly minority students were in schools with

very few whitesvery few whites In the 1960’s the gov’t began to promote In the 1960’s the gov’t began to promote

affirmative action programs that made a affirmative action programs that made a special effort to hire groups of people that special effort to hire groups of people that have suffered discrimination (minorities) in have suffered discrimination (minorities) in order to have diversity in the workforceorder to have diversity in the workforce Many companies with federal contracts were Many companies with federal contracts were

encouraged to do thisencouraged to do this By the 1970’s many began to criticize By the 1970’s many began to criticize

affirmative action programs as being a form affirmative action programs as being a form of “reverse discrimination” denying whites of “reverse discrimination” denying whites of opportunities of opportunities These issues are still very much in debate today!These issues are still very much in debate today!