-
President John F. Kennedy Survives Assassination Attempt
United States President John F. Kennedy is campaigning for the 1964 election in Dallas, Texas. He and his wife, Jackie Kennedy, are riding in the Presidential Motorcade, waving to excited crowds. Suddenly, a shot is fired at the president. However, the bullet hits into the door of the open convertible. President Kennedy narrowly survives the assassination attempt. -
Investigations Confirm Oswald Acted Alone in Kennedy Assassination Attempt
The FBI is investigating the assassination attempt of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963. It confirms that Lee Harvey Oswald is the man who fired the gun. Oswald was arrested minutes after shots rang out from Dealey Plaza in Dallas. Oswald is a white supremacist who disagrees with Kennedy's support of civil rights. He masterminded and executed the assassination plan all by himself. This puts an end to the conspiracy theories. -
Civil Rights Act Passed
The Civil Rights Act ends discrimination against voters, bans segregation in public places, and outlaws discrimination in employment. President Kennedy had proposed the Act in June 1963. It passed through the House but was opposed by Southern Democrats in the Senate. However, the protests by African-Americans are increasing around the country and disrupting civilian life. Kennedy uses this to persuade Congress to pass this Act. The Act narrowly passes in April 1964. -
President Kennedy Elected to Second Term
Democrat President John F. Kennedy runs against Republican candidate Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election. Goldwater wants to send troops immediately to communist Vietnam. However, President Kennedy wants to consider all options before taking military action. Kennedy's proposal appeals to the nation which wants to avoid another war. Also, Aftrican-Americans vote in favor of Kennedy. President Kennedy is reelected to office. -
U.S. Military Involvement in Vietnam Ends
Communist North Vietnam is a threat to democratic South Vietnam. Because of the Domino Theory, if Vietnam becomes communist, the whole of Southeast Asia will become communist. Afraid, President Kennedy sends military advisers to Vietnam while also seeking diplomatic solutions. The United States military presence suppresses communist forces. The diplomatic talks between the president and the two nations ease tensions. The military is called back from Vietnam on June 18, 1965. -
Martin Luther King Jr. Appointed Peace Ambassador
President Kennedy is highly impressed by African-American activist, Martin Luther King Jr. M.L.K. believes in non-violence. Because of his peaceful practices, President Kennedy has appointed him as the peace ambassador. The role requires M.L.K to work on building domestic and global peace. His first major task is to work peacefully towards reducing hate crimes across the nation. -
First Lady Starts Every Child Reads Program
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy is aired on television reading 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. This is the beginning of Mrs. Kennedy's "Every Child Reads" Program. As a mother and writer, Mrs. Kennedy feels that it is important to read books to spark creativity. Therefore, she has made the first Wednesday of every month a day for schools to designate half an hour for reading. -
First Man on Moon
President Kennedy wants America to win the Space Race against Russia. He approves extensive funding to NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Association, for space exploration. Kennedy's dream to get the first man on moon by the end of the 1960's comes true on February 15, 1967 when American astronaut Neil Armstrong becomes the first man to step on the moon. He lands on moon in the NASA-built capsule, Apollo. -
Tensions Ease at Berlin Wall
Tensions between East and West Berlin are increasing as it is getting harder to cross the border because of the Berlin Wall. President Kennedy uses the hotline, which was setup to communicate in the case of emergency, to talk to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Khrushchev agrees to open more border checkpoints and lessen the border crossing restrictions. -
Robert Kennedy Elected 36th President
President John F. Kennedy's two terms of office are over. In the 1968 election, Robert Kennedy, the brother of John F. Kennedy and former attorney general, runs as the Democratic presidential candidate. His Republican opponent is Richard Nixon. Richard Nixon promises to oppose court-ordered busing to integrate schools. However, Robert Kennedy's leadership for advances in civil rights gains him much popularity. He wins the election.
