The Kennedy and Johnson Administrations: A Modern Library

The Best and the Brightest: Kennedy-Johnson Administrations (Modern Library)

by David Halberstam

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1540 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	832 pages

FREE

The Kennedy and Johnson administrations were a time of great change and progress in the United States. These two presidents oversaw the passage of landmark legislation on civil rights, education, healthcare, and poverty. They also led the country through the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.

John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1960. He was a young and charismatic leader who inspired hope and optimism in the American people. Kennedy's domestic agenda focused on civil rights, education, and healthcare. He also pledged to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade.

Kennedy's presidency was cut short by his assassination in 1963. However, his legacy continues to inspire Americans today.

Civil Rights

Kennedy was a strong supporter of civil rights. He appointed the first African American to the Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall, and he sent federal troops to protect black students who were trying to desegregate schools in the South.

In 1964, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Education

Kennedy also believed that education was essential to the future of America. He proposed a number of programs to improve education, including Head Start, which provides early childhood education to low-income children.

In 1965, Congress passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which provided federal funding for public schools.

Healthcare

Kennedy was also concerned about the lack of access to healthcare for many Americans. He proposed a number of programs to expand healthcare coverage, including Medicare, which provides health insurance to seniors, and Medicaid, which provides health insurance to low-income Americans.

In 1965, Congress passed the Medicare and Medicaid Act, which created these two programs.

Lyndon B. Johnson

Lyndon B. Johnson became president after Kennedy's assassination. He continued Kennedy's legacy of progress on civil rights, education, and healthcare.

Johnson also launched the War on Poverty, a massive program to combat poverty in the United States. The War on Poverty included a number of programs, including Head Start, Job Corps, and VISTA.

Johnson's presidency was also marked by the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was a long and costly conflict that divided the American people.

Civil Rights

Johnson continued Kennedy's commitment to civil rights. He signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices. He also appointed Thurgood Marshall to the Supreme Court.

Johnson's support for civil rights alienated many white southerners. However, he believed that civil rights were essential to the future of America.

Education

Johnson also continued Kennedy's commitment to education. He expanded Head Start and Job Corps. He also created the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Johnson believed that education was the key to unlocking human potential.

Healthcare

Johnson also continued Kennedy's commitment to healthcare. He expanded Medicare and Medicaid. He also created the National Cancer Institute and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Johnson believed that healthcare was a right, not a privilege.

War on Poverty

The War on Poverty was a massive program to combat poverty in the United States. The War on Poverty included a number of programs, including Head Start, Job Corps, and VISTA.

The War on Poverty had some success in reducing poverty. However, it did not eliminate poverty in the United States.

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a long and costly conflict that divided the American people. The war began in the early 1960s and lasted until 1975.

Johnson escalated the war in Vietnam. He believed that it was necessary to stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

However, the war quickly became unpopular with the American people. Anti-war protests erupted across the country.

In 1968, Johnson announced that he would not seek re-election. He left office with the war still unresolved.

The Kennedy and Johnson administrations were a time of great change and progress in the United States. These two presidents oversaw the passage of landmark legislation on civil rights, education, healthcare, and poverty. They also led the country through the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.

The Kennedy and Johnson administrations left a lasting legacy on the United States. Their accomplishments continue to shape American society today.

The Best and the Brightest: Kennedy-Johnson Administrations (Modern Library)

by David Halberstam

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1540 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	832 pages

FREE