Kennedy’s New Frontier

• 1960


  In 1960 John F Kennedy became the first catholic President. His domestic policy was called The New Frontier. His aim was to eliminate poverty, inequality and deprivation for all Americans including Black Americans
• JKF’s ideas


  JFK had intended to introduce changes to society and the economy. He had proposed an ambitious system of health insurance called Medicare, medical help for the elderly and a Civil Rights Bill; however, none of these were passed. He also intended to introduce an education law to give more money to schools. He increased benefits, raised the minimum wage and established training schemes for the unemployed. JFK had charisma, but he did not have a good relationship with Congress, and his ideas were often rejected.
• What significant action did JFK take regarding civil rights during his presidency?

  He gave more important jobs to African-Americans than any other president.
• What was the purpose of the Commission on Equal Employment Opportunity (CEEO) created by JFK?

  To ensure that all people employed with the federal government had equal employment opportunities.
• How did JFK respond to Southern politicians regarding civil rights?

  He stood up to Southern politicians who failed to defend civil rights.
• What economic measure did JFK implement to stimulate spending?

  He cut taxes to give people more money to spend.
• How much money did JFK make available to businesses to create new jobs?

  $900 million.
• What types of support did JFK provide to companies to enhance their operations?

  He gave grants to buy new high-tech equipment and train their workers.
• What area of government spending did JFK increase to create jobs?

  Government spending on the armed forces.
• What was the minimum hourly wage increased to by JFK?

  $1.25.
• How much money did JFK make available for loans to improve housing and infrastructure?

  $4.9 billion.
• What improvements did JFK's Social Security Act provide?

  It improved benefits for the elderly and unemployed.
• What organization did JFK establish to assist people in poorer countries?

  The Peace Corps.
• What roles did volunteers in the Peace Corps take on?

  They worked as teachers, doctors, nurses, and technical advisors.
• What was JFK's intention regarding education funding?

  To introduce an education law to give more money to schools.
• What was one of the failures of the New Frontier regarding Civil Rights?

  The CEEO only helped those already in the government and did nothing to find jobs for unemployed African-Americans.
• Why did the CEEO attempt to persuade MLK to call off his march on Washington?

  He believed it might make some politicians in Congress resist civil rights even more.
• What was the unemployment rate in 1963?

  1. 5 million people were unemployed in 1963.
• How did the introduction of new equipment affect employment?

  In some cases, it meant fewer workers were needed.
• How did unemployment rates for African-Americans compare to the overall unemployment rate?

  Unemployment was twice as high for African-Americans.
• Why was the minimum wage not effective in decreasing poverty?

  It was only helpful to those in work.
• What was a limitation of the loans to improve housing?

  They were only useful if the person could afford the loan repayments.
• What happened to JFK's proposals for Medicare?

  US Congress defeated JFK’s proposals for Medicare.
• What was the outcome of JFK's efforts to provide funding for schools?

  His efforts were denied by Congress.
• Why did Southern politicians refuse to support JFK's education plans?

  They had clashed with him over Civil Rights.