John F. Kennedy, our 35th President who won in the 1960 election, was also the youngest man ever to become President. In debates against his Republican opponent Richard Nixon, he was very refined, energetic and able. His platform talked of aggressively moving forward into the new decade, for “the New Frontier is here whether we seek it or not. ” As our new leader he asked: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. ” The “New Frontier” really became and symbolized his domestic and foreign programs.
One major priority was to end a recession and restore a sense of growth along with boosting the economy. Other elements of the “New Frontier” were to provide national defense, boost our space program and provide international aid. Kennedy also controlled monopoly pricing which large corporations disliked but it helped consumers to not be taken advantage of. He was also a major advocate of civil rights and although no legislation was passed during his presidency, it surely paved the way for future reform.
Another boost was raising the minimum wage.The international accomplishments were major as well. The Peace Corps sent teachers to poor nations to improve education levels which in turn could help their economies. Secondly, was the Alliance for Progress, which provided aid to Latin America.
The space program was strongly endorsed by Kennedy as well, as he challenged the U. S. to put a man on the moon by 1970. In the big picture, Kennedy’s New Frontier was successful for the economy and paving the way for many elements of political and social reform.
