JFK Legacy (and death) Flashcards
When was JFK killed and by whom?
- Assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas (Lee Harvey Oswald was blamed).
- The Warren Commission (1964): Oswald acted alone, but conspiracy theories persist.
What impact did his death have on Johnson’s administration?
His death allowed Lyndon B. Johnson to push forward major civil rights and social reform.
What were Kennedy’s successes?
✔ Handled the Cuban Missile Crisis effectively, preventing nuclear war.
✔ Advanced space exploration, leading to the 1969 Moon landing.
✔ Inspired civil rights progress (though major legislation passed after his death).
✔ Improved economic growth and lowered unemployment.
What were Kennedy’s failings?
✖ Limited domestic policy achievements due to opposition in Congress.
✖ Failed in Bay of Pigs, damaging U.S. credibility.
✖ Did not fully commit to civil rights, leaving major issues unresolved.
✖ Escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam, leading to long-term conflict.
