President Kennedy

Definition

President Kennedy refers to John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, who served from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. He is known for his efforts to address civil rights issues and his administration's responses to social movements during a transformative period in American history, as well as his support for affirmative action policies aimed at combating discrimination and promoting equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. President Kennedy was a strong advocate for civil rights and delivered a famous speech in 1963 urging Congress to pass comprehensive civil rights legislation.
2. He established the Peace Corps in 1961 to promote peace and friendship through volunteer work in developing nations, reflecting his commitment to global social justice.
3. Kennedy's administration faced significant challenges from various social movements, including protests advocating for racial equality and women's rights.
4. He used executive power to promote affirmative action policies that aimed to improve employment opportunities for minorities and women.
5. Kennedy's legacy includes the establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce laws against workplace discrimination.

Review Questions

• How did President Kennedy's policies reflect his response to the Civil Rights Movement during his administration?
  • President Kennedy's policies were significantly influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, leading him to address racial injustice more directly. He recognized the urgency of civil rights issues after witnessing protests and confrontations, especially during events like the Birmingham Campaign. In response, he proposed comprehensive civil rights legislation and gave a notable speech that called for equality, which ultimately laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Evaluate the impact of Executive Order 10925 on affirmative action policies during Kennedy's presidency.
  • Executive Order 10925 marked a pivotal moment in the establishment of affirmative action policies under President Kennedy's leadership. This order mandated that federal contractors take affirmative steps to ensure equal employment opportunities, setting a precedent for future legislation. The creation of the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity played a crucial role in enforcing these policies, demonstrating Kennedy's commitment to addressing systemic discrimination in the workforce.
• Analyze how President Kennedy’s administration balanced its foreign policy objectives with domestic social movements, particularly regarding civil rights.
  • President Kennedy's administration faced the challenge of balancing foreign policy objectives, such as Cold War tensions and promoting democracy abroad, with pressing domestic social movements advocating for civil rights. While he initially approached civil rights cautiously to maintain political support in Congress, escalating protests and international criticism forced him to take stronger stands. By linking civil rights advancements with American values in foreign policy rhetoric, he positioned civil rights as not only a domestic issue but also a crucial part of America's global image during a time of heightened scrutiny from both allies and adversaries.

Related terms

Civil Rights Movement:

A struggle for social justice by African Americans in the United States aiming to end racial discrimination and secure legal recognition and federal protection of citizenship rights.

New Frontier: President Kennedy's domestic program that aimed to improve the economy, education, health care, and civil rights, focusing on advancements in society and equality.

Executive Order 10925:

An order signed by President Kennedy in 1961 that established the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity and mandated affirmative action in federal contracting.