Lesson 5: Kennedy, Johnson, and Vietnam

Question 1

Alliance for Progress Definition

Answer 1

an economic aid program for Latin America developed by President Kennedy

Question 2

Bay of Pigs Invasion Definition

Answer 2

the failed invasion of Cuba in 1961 when a force of 1,400 Cuban exiles, backed by the United States, were captured after landing at the Bay of Pigs

Question 3

Counterculture Movement Definition

Answer 3

a protest movement in the 1960s that rejected traditional American values and culture

Question 4

Cuban Missile Crisis Definition

Answer 4

a major Cold War confrontation in 1962 when Kennedy ordered Soviet ships carrying missiles to be blocked from entering Cuba

Question 5

Domino Theory Definition

Answer 5

the belief that if South Vietnam fell to communism, other countries in the region would follow like a row of falling dominoes

Question 6

Draft Definition

Answer 6

a law that requires people of a certain age to perform military service

Question 7

Escalate Definition

Answer 7

to expand

Question 8

Exile Definition

Answer 8

a person who has been forced to leave his or her own country

Question 9

Great Society Definition

Answer 9

President Johnson’s goal aimed at creating a decent living standard for every American

Question 10

Guerrilla Definition

Answer 10

a fighter who uses hit-and-run attacks

Question 11

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Definition

Answer 11

a Congressional resolution passed in 1964 that authorized military action in Vietnam

Question 12

John F. Kennedy Definition

Answer 12

John F. Kennedy (1917–1963) was the thirty-fifth president of the United States. He was elected in 1960 but was assassinated before he could complete his first term in office

Question 13

Lyndon B. Johnson Definition

Answer 13

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973) was the vice president of the United States under John F. Kennedy, and assumed the presidency after Kennedy’s death in 1963. Johnson was then elected president in 1964

Question 14

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Definition

Answer 14

a government agency that directs the American space program

Question 15

Organization of American States (OAS) Definition

Answer 15

an international organization that promotes peace and economic progress in the Americas

Question 16

Peace Corps Definition

Answer 16

a government organization that sends American volunteers to developing countries to teach or give technical advice

Question 17

Superpower Definition

Answer 17

a nation with the military, political, and economic strength to influence events worldwide

Question 18

Tet Offensive Definition

Answer 18

Vietcong surprise attacks on South Vietnamese cities on the Vietnamese New Year’s holiday in 1968

Question 19

Vietcong Definition

Answer 19

Vietnamese guerrillas who opposed the noncommunist government of South Vietnam

Question 20

In the Election of 1960, who was the Republican candidate? Who was the Democratic candidate?

Answer 20

The election of 1960 pitted Republican Vice President Richard Nixon against John F. Kennedy, a Democrat and Senator from Massachusetts.

Question 21

What were some fears of those who voted against John F. Kennedy in the Election of 1960?

Answer 21

The election was a close contest. Many Americans voted against John F. Kennedy because they felt he did not have enough experience to be President. Others worried about Kennedy’s religion, Catholicism. No Roman Catholic had ever been President. Many Americans feared that Kennedy might be more loyal to the Roman Catholic Church than to the country. Kennedy reassured voters that he believed in the separation of church and state.

Question 22

How did television help John F. Kennedy win the Election of 1960?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

When did John F. Kennedy take the presidential oath of office? How old was he? What was significant about his election, in terms of his age and birth?

Answer 23

John F. Kennedy took the presidential oath of office on January 20, 1961. At 43, he was the youngest man ever elected President and the first to be born in the twentieth century. “Let the word go forth,” he said, “that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.”

Question 24

How did John F. Kennedy inspire the nation during the Election of 1960 and as President?

Answer 24

Kennedy’s youth and idealism had inspired Americans during the campaign. Now he called them to service.

The trumpet summons us again … to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle … against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself. … And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.

—John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961

Question 25

Remember: For all his youth and high hopes, Kennedy and the Presidents who followed him faced tough challenges. The 1960s and 1970s were years of idealism. They also turned out to be a time of uncertainty, tragedy, and turmoil for Americans of all ages.

Answer 25

For all his youth and high hopes, Kennedy and the Presidents who followed him faced tough challenges. The 1960s and 1970s were years of idealism. They also turned out to be a time of uncertainty, tragedy, and turmoil for Americans of all ages.

Question 26

By the time Kennedy entered office, which two nations were superpowers? What are superpowers? As leader of a superpower, what was Kennedy’s job?

Answer 26

By the time Kennedy entered the White House, the United States and the Soviet Union had emerged as superpowers—nations with enough military, political, and economic strength to influence events worldwide. As leader of a superpower, President Kennedy was given the task of negotiating the country’s way through Cold War crises.

Question 27

In 1959, what did Fidel Castro do and set up in Cuba? What did this government take over? Cubans from which classes, predominantly, fled to the United States?

Answer 27

In 1959, Fidel Castro led a revolution that set up a communist state in Cuba. Castro’s government took over private companies, including many owned by American businesses. Thousands of Cubans, especially those from the upper and middle classes, fled to the United States.

Question 28

After Cuba was under Fidel Castro’s communist control (1959), what did the Soviet Union supply it with? Why did the growing ties between the Soviet Union and Cuba worry American officials?

Answer 28

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

Question 29

In 1961, what plan did President John F. Kennedy approve in Cuba? What was its goal? What is an exile? What was the Bay of Pigs Invasion? What was its aftermath? What did it do to Castro’s power? What did it do to the U.S.?

Answer 29

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy approved a plan to support Cuban exiles in an invasion of Cuba to overthrow Castro. Exiles are people who have been forced to leave their own country. A force of about 1,400 Cuban exiles landed at the Bay of Pigs on Cuba’s south coast. The invasion was badly planned. Castro’s forces outnumbered the invaders and quickly rounded them up and jailed them, killing about 100 of the invaders. The Bay of Pigs invasion strengthened Castro in Cuba and embarrassed the United States.

Question 30

What was the first communist state in the Western Hemisphere?

Answer 30

Cuba

Question 31

After the Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961), what did the Soviet Union give to Cuba? In October 1962, what did President Kennedy learn of about Soviet activities in Cuba? Why was this a threat? What did President Kennedy do as a result? What was the result of this?

Answer 31

After the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Soviet Union gave Cuba more weapons. In October 1962, President Kennedy learned that the Soviets were secretly building missile bases on the island. If the bases were completed, atomic missiles could reach American cities within minutes. As a result, Kennedy announced that American warships would be positioned around Cuba with orders to stop any Soviet ships carrying missiles. The world waited tensely as Soviet ships steamed toward Cuba. At the last minute, the Soviet ships turned back. “We’re eyeball to eyeball,” said Secretary of State Dean Rusk, “and I think the other fellow just blinked.”

Question 32

What did President Kennedy’s strong stand on Soviet missiles in Cuba cause the Soviet Union to do? What did the Soviet Union and the United States agree on, ending the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Answer 32

Kennedy’s strong stand led the Soviets to compromise. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev agreed to remove Soviet missiles from Cuba. In turn, the United States promised not to invade the island. Still the Cuban missile crisis had shaken both American and Soviet officials. In all the years of the Cold War, the world never came closer to a full-scale nuclear war.

Question 33

Remember: In the early 1900s, the United States had frequently intervened in the internal affairs of Latin American nations. Now, Cold War tensions led the United States under President Kennedy to resume its active role. A number of Presidents tried to contain communism in other Latin American nations.

Answer 33

In the early 1900s, the United States had frequently intervened in the internal affairs of Latin American nations. Now, Cold War tensions led the United States under President Kennedy to resume its active role. A number of Presidents tried to contain communism in other Latin American nations.

Question 34

What were the severe economic and social problems in Latin America? How did these conditions make communism appealing? What did communists in Latin America call for, which some non-communists agreed with?

Answer 34

Latin America had long faced severe social and economic problems. A huge gap existed between the wealthy few and the majority of people. In most countries, rural people lived in desperate poverty. When the poor migrated to cities seeking work, they were often forced to live in shacks without heat, light, or water. Many poor Latin Americans saw communism as a solution to their problems. Communists called for land to be distributed to the poor and for governments to take over foreign corporations. Some noncommunists also supported this view.

Question 35

Why did many American leaders agree on reform in Latin America? What did they hope reform would accomplish?

Answer 35

Many American leaders agreed with the need for reform. They hoped that American aid would help make Latin American nations more democratic, ease the lives of the people, and lessen communist influence.

Question 36

In 1961, what was the Alliance for Progress, established by President Kennedy? What did President Kennedy urge Latin American countries to do? In the end, what was the impact of the Alliance for Progress?

Answer 36

In 1961, President Kennedy created an ambitious aid program called the Alliance for Progress. He urged Latin American countries to make reforms to improve the lives of their people. In return, the United States contributed aid to build schools and hospitals and to improve farming and sanitation services. The Alliance brought a few improvements, but it did not end the causes of poverty.

Question 37

In 1961, what was the Peace Corps, established by President Kennedy?

Answer 37

Kennedy also set up the Peace Corps. Under this program, American volunteers worked in developing countries as teachers, engineers, and technical advisers. Volunteers lived with local people for two years, teaching or giving technical advice.

Question 38

How did the United States provide aid to Latin America through their role in the Organization of American States (OAS)?

Answer 38

The United States was also a leading member of the Organization of American States, or OAS. Through the OAS, the United States promoted economic progress in the Americas by investing in transportation and industry.

Question 39

How did the United States use military aid to battle communism in Latin America? How did the United States speak up for democracy? Why did the United States often end up supporting military dictators?

Answer 39

To battle communism, the United States also gave military aid to train and arm Latin American military forces. The United States spoke up for democracy and pressed governments to make reforms. Often, though, the United States ended up supporting military dictators because they opposed communism.

Question 40

What responsibilities were placed on John F. Kennedy when he became president? In which places did he have to combat Soviet aggression? What happened in both instances? How did these events create fear?

Answer 40

When Kennedy took office, he was handed the task of leading a country through the Cold War. In doing so, Kennedy took a hard line on many issues, responding directly to Soviet aggression in Cuba and Berlin. Luckily, in both instances, the Soviet Union backed off, but the American people remained worried about the outbreak of nuclear war.

Question 41

What was the supply of nuclear weapons like in the Soviet Union and America? In 1957, what did the Soviet Union launch into space? What did this make Americans question?

Answer 41

Both the Soviet Union and the United States had developed large stocks of nuclear bombs and missiles. In fact, they had enough bombs to destroy civilization. When, in 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the world’s first artificial satellite, Americans questioned whether Soviet rockets armed with atomic weapons could reach the United States.

Question 42

As both the United States and the Soviet Union raced to send larger satellites farther into space, what organization did President Kennedy set up? What was NASA’s mission? (NASA was established by Eisenhower in 1958)

Answer 42

As both superpowers raced to send larger satellites farther into space, the United States under President Kennedy’s leadership set up the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Its mission was to direct an American space program to compete with that of the Soviets.

Question 43

What is the influence of John F. Kennedy’s programs and organizations?

Answer 43

Many programs that began with the Kennedy administration are part of his legacy today. For example, NASA continues research today, sending more and more satellites into space and bettering Americans’ lives with its technology. The Peace Corps works around the world, continuing to provide support to people in developing nations.

Question 44

On November 22, 1963, how was John F. Kennedy fatally assassinated? That afternoon, who was sworn in as president?

Answer 44

On November 22, 1963, Kennedy traveled to Dallas, Texas, on a political tour. As his convertible passed cheering crowds, shots rang out. The President slumped in his seat. Later, John F. Kennedy died. That afternoon, Vice President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as President.

Question 45

How did the American people react to the assassination of John F. Kennedy? Who was the suspected shooter, which officers soon arrested? What happened to Lee Harvey Oswald soon after his arrest? What did a government commission headed by Chief Justice Earl Warren conclude about the assassination? Do historians agree?

Answer 45

A stunned American people reacted with grief and confusion, but more drama followed. Police caught Lee Harvey Oswald, the suspected gunman. However, after his arrest, Oswald himself was killed by another gunman. Later a special government commission headed by Chief Justice Earl Warren concluded that a lone gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, had murdered the President. Today, most historians agree with the conclusions of the Warren Commission.

Question 46

True or False: “Let us continue,” said Johnson. He steered many of Kennedy’s proposals through Congress. (After Kennedy’s assassination)

Answer 46

True

Question 47

In November 1964, what was President Lyndon B. Johnson’s program called, after being re-elected? What was the goal of the Great Society program? What was the first step of this program? Despite Congress not allowing Kennedy to issue a “war on poverty”, why was President Johnson able to? How many laws did Lyndon B. Johnson push through Congress after just two years in office?

Answer 47

In November 1964, voters returned him to the White House in a landslide victory. Johnson had his own program. He called it the Great Society. It boldly aimed at creating a decent living standard for every American. In a first step, Johnson declared a “war on poverty.” Congress had not supported Kennedy’s poverty program. However, Johnson was more persuasive. He cornered members of Congress. Johnson successfully used his years of political experience to help get what he wanted. In just two years in office, Johnson pushed 50 new laws through Congress.

Question 48

What was the Great Society program of Medicare? What was the program of Medicaid? What was the Office of Economic Opportunity? What was the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)? What was significant about its head, Robert Weaver?

Answer 48

The Great Society had many programs. Under Medicare, the government helped pay hospital costs for senior citizens. Medicaid gave states money to help poor citizens with medical bills. A new Office of Economic Opportunity created job-training programs for the unemployed. It gave loans to needy farmers and to businesses in poor sections of cities. Programs to build housing for low-income and middle-income families were also part of the Great Society. To carry out these programs, Congress established the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. Robert Weaver headed the department. He was the first African American ever appointed to the Cabinet.

Question 49

What is the mixed record, or view, on the Great Society, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson? What is its influence?

Answer 49

The Great Society had a mixed record. It aided the poor but at great cost to taxpayers. Government grew in size and intruded on people’s lives as never before. Corruption sometimes plagued antipoverty programs. Still, Medicare, Medicaid, and other reforms helped millions and became permanent parts of American life.

Question 50

Remember: Since the late 1800s, France ruled Vietnam as a colony. The United States became involved in a conflict there in the 1960s.

Answer 50

Since the late 1800s, France ruled Vietnam as a colony. The United States became involved in a conflict there in the 1960s.

Question 51

How was American involvement in Vietnam? During the 1940s, what was the role of Vietnamese nationalist and communist Ho Chi Minh in the fight for Vietnamese independence? When did Ho’s army defeat the French? How was the country divided? Who did the Soviets support? Who did the United Sates support?

Answer 51

American involvement in Vietnam was very gradual. During the 1940s, Ho Chi Minh (hoh chee min), a Vietnamese nationalist and a Communist, had led the fight for independence. Ho’s army finally defeated the French in 1954. An international peace conference divided Vietnam into two countries. Ho Chi Minh led communist North Vietnam. Ngo Dinh Diem (noh din dyem) was the noncommunist leader of South Vietnam. In the Cold War world, the Soviet Union supported North Vietnam. The United States backed Diem in the south.

Question 52

What caused U.S. supported leader Ngo Dinh Diem to lose popular support during the 1950s? As a result, why did supporters join the Vietcong? Who supported the Vietcong? What was the speed at which Vietcong influence was spreading?

Answer 52

Diem lost popular support during the 1950s. Many South Vietnamese thought that he favored wealthy landlords and was corrupt. He failed to help the nation’s peasant majority and ruled with a heavy hand. As discontent grew, many peasants joined the Vietcong—guerrillas who opposed Diem. Guerrillas (guh RIL uz) are fighters who make hit-and-run attacks on the enemy. They do not wear uniforms or fight in large battles. In time, the Vietcong became communist and were supported by North Vietnam. Vietcong influence quickly spread, especially in the villages.

Question 53

Why did Vietcong success in Vietnam concern American leaders? What was the domino theory? As a result, what did America decide about South Vietnam?

Answer 53

Vietcong successes worried American leaders. If South Vietnam fell to communism, they believed, other countries in the region would follow—like a row of falling dominoes. This idea became known as the domino theory. The United States decided that it must keep South Vietnam from becoming the first domino.

Question 54

During the 1950s and 1960s, who were President Eisenhower and President Kennedy sending to Vietnam? What did the advisors go to do? When was Diem, leader of South Vietnam, assassinated? What did President Lyndon B. Johnson do to keep Vietnam from falling to the communists?

Answer 54

During the 1950s and 1960s, Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy sent financial aid and military advisers to South Vietnam. The advisers went to help train the South Vietnamese army. They did not go to fight the Vietcong. Diem, however, continued to lose support. In November 1963, just a few weeks before President Kennedy’s assassination, Diem was assassinated. As the new President, Lyndon Johnson was also determined to keep South Vietnam from falling to the communists. He increased aid to South Vietnam, sending more arms and advisers. Still, the Vietcong continued to make gains.

Question 55

In August 1964, what did President Johnson claim the North Vietnamese did at the Gulf of Tonkin? What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution? What did it state and allow? What did Johnson use the resolution to do? How did the role of America in Vietnam change after the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution? By 1968, how many American troops were sent to Vietnam?

Answer 55

In August 1964, President Johnson announced that North Vietnamese torpedo boats had attacked an American ship patrolling the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of North Vietnam. At Johnson’s urging, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. It allowed the President “to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack or to prevent further aggression.” Johnson used the resolution to order the bombing of North Vietnam and Vietcong-held areas in the south. With the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, the role of Americans in Vietnam changed from military advisers to active fighters. The war in Vietnam escalated, or expanded. By 1968, President Johnson had sent more than 500,000 troops to fight in Vietnam.

Question 56

How did the Vietnam War differ from any other war America had fought? What difficulties did they experience?

Answer 56

The Vietnam War differed from other wars that Americans had fought. Rather than trying to gain ground, Americans attempted to destroy enemy positions. However, the Vietcong were hard to pin down. When Americans found an enemy stronghold, the guerrillas disappeared into the jungle. When the Americans left, the Vietcong returned. As a result, Americans found themselves going back again and again to fight in the same areas. Worse still, American soldiers often could not tell which villagers were Vietcong. The enemy might be the old woman cooking rice outside her hut or the man walking down a village path. “The farmer you waved to from your jeep in the day,” explained an American soldier, “would be the guy with the gun out looking for you at night.”

Question 57

In January 1968, what was the Tet Offensive? How did it get its name? What was its aftermath and influence?

Answer 57

In January 1968, the Vietcong launched surprise attacks on cities throughout South Vietnam. Guerrillas even stormed the American embassy in Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. The attack became known as the Tet Offensive because it took place during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year’s holiday. In the end, American and South Vietnamese forces pushed back the enemy. Still, the Vietcong had won a major political victory. The Tet Offensive showed that even with half a million American troops, no part of South Vietnam was safe from Vietcong attack. Many more Americans began to protest the war.

Question 58

After the Tet Offensive, how did President Johnson seek to restore peace to the United States, which was being bombarded by protests?

Answer 58

Hoping to restore calm to a nation rocked by protests, a weary President Johnson decided not to seek reelection in 1968. He told the American people that he needed to concentrate on his duties while in office rather than on winning reelection. He was also concerned about his health.

Question 59

Remember: Protest movements grew in the 1960s. The civil rights movement expanded. Some young people began to openly reject the values and lifestyles of their parents. Opposition to the war in Vietnam grew.

Answer 59

Protest movements grew in the 1960s. The civil rights movement expanded. Some young people began to openly reject the values and lifestyles of their parents. Opposition to the war in Vietnam grew.

Question 60

How did the televised casualties of the Vietnam War turn popular opinion against it?

Answer 60

As American casualties mounted, public support for the war faded. For the first time, Americans watched a war on television. They saw villages burned, children and old people caught in battle, and soldiers wounded and killed.

Question 61

What was the inequality presented in the Vietnam war draft?

Answer 61

To build up troops, the United States expanded the draft, or system of mandatory enlistment into the armed forces. The draft affected American youth unequally. Many young middle-class men found ways to avoid the draft, such as attending college. As a result, many of the draftees sent to Vietnam were poor. A large number were African American and Latino.

Question 62

How did the anti war movement gain strength as more and more young men were drafted and forced to fight in Vietnam?

Answer 62

As more and more young men were sent to fight in the Vietnam War, an antiwar movement gained strength. Protesters staged rallies, burned draft cards (notices that a person has been drafted), and refused to serve in the military. Many of the largest demonstrations took place on college campuses.

Question 63

By the mid-1960s, what were “hawks” and “doves”? What did protesters of the Vietnam War claim?

Answer 63

By the mid-1960s, the country split between “hawks” and “doves.” Hawks supported the Vietnam War as a battle against communism. Doves opposed it. They saw it as a civil war involving the Vietnamese only. Protesters charged that American lives and money were being wasted on an unjust war. The South Vietnamese government, they said, was corrupt and brutal, and the United States should not support it. They wanted the huge sums being spent on the war to be spent on social programs at home.

Question 64

What was the counterculture movement of the 1960s and early 1970s?

Answer 64

The antiwar protests fed a spirit of rebellion among young people. During the 1960s and early 1970s, many young people rejected traditional American values. Many young Americans joined the counterculture movement. They criticized competition and the drive for personal success. Instead of going to college, they “dropped out.” Instead of traditional families, they lived together in groups or communes. Many listened to new forms of rock music. Some “turned on,” or experimented with illegal drugs. Inspired by the civil rights movement, counterculture protesters called for peace, justice, and social equality. They wore torn, faded jeans and work shirts to blur the differences between rich and poor. Men grew long hair and beards. Women refused to put on makeup. All wanted to look more natural and less like their parents. Like the beatniks of the 1950s, members of the counterculture said American life was empty and materialistic. Some turned to eastern religions such as Buddhism in search of spiritual meaning.

Question 65

What happened in the Election of 1968?

Answer 65

By 1968, the counterculture and antiwar movements were peaking. As a result, President Johnson’s popularity plummeted. To avoid angry protesters, Johnson stayed in the White House more and more. Johnson’s decision not to run for reelection opened the way for other Democrats to seek their party’s nomination in 1968. New York senator Robert Kennedy, brother of the late President, made a strong run. However, tragedy struck again for the Kennedy family. While campaigning in Los Angeles, Kennedy was shot and killed by a Palestinian who opposed the senator’s support for Israel. The Democrats selected Vice President Hubert Humphrey as their candidate. The Republicans again nominated former Vice President Richard Nixon. Nixon promised “peace with honor” in Vietnam and “law and order” at home. Alabama governor George Wallace entered the race as a third-party candidate. Helped by this and by divisions among Democrats over the Vietnam War, Nixon won a narrow victory.