Economic/Social o Kennedy took office in the depths of the fourth major recession since WWII.

Bankruptices highest since 1930s Farm incomes down 25% 5.5 million Americans unemployed o Kennedys foreign policy was very hegemonic, almost Pax Americana, his domestic policy was more liberal Lowering taxes Protect unemployed, Increase minimum wage Focus on business and housing to stimulate economy o Ended the recession in his first year of office o Also wanted many social programs Federal aid to education Medical care for elderly Urban mass transit Department of urban affairs Regional development in Appalachia o Lacked congressional supportcould only increase minimum wage, but not medical program for elderly. Same with department for urban affairs Civil Rights o America was caught up in legalized racism o Kennedy was caught between African Americans that wanted increased civil rights and freedoms and Southern whites who said they didnt deserve it JFK was quite controversial for lack of true action: Didnt pass any particular new laws, he just enforced current ones Also bowed down to custom of senatorial courtesy by which he only appointed federal court judges that Southern Democratic Senators approved of On the opposite side of the spectrum, he invoked the higher powers of his office to send troops to Southern States o Two major events in terms of civil rights September 1962 James Meredith, a black Missisipian and veteran of eight years wanted to enroll at the traditionally white university of Ole Miss Ross Barnett defied federalism and said she couldnt attend. JFK and attorney general Robert Kennedy authorized the federal guard to escort her in She got in, but hundreds died and two were killed Civil Rights Bill It was introduced only in his second term, so as not to piss off congress. It passed after he died.

Outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.[5] It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and by facilities that served the general public (known as "public accommodations").