USA, 1865–1975 – The Superpower, 1945–1975 (A-level only): Kennedy,…

The idea

The 1960s and early 1970s witnessed profound shifts in US domestic politics. Kennedy’s 'New Frontier' promised progressive change in civil rights, healthcare, and poverty, but achieved limited legislative success before his assassination. Johnson capitalised on this legacy to launch the 'Great Society', securing landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act (1964), Medicare, and Medicaid, though the Vietnam War ultimately drained its funding. The resulting social upheaval, anti-war protests, and racial tensions facilitated Nixon’s 1968 election and a Republican revival. Nixon appealed to the 'Silent Majority', implementing a 'New Federalism' that sought to decentralise power, whilst simultaneously expanding environmental regulations and grappling with emerging economic stagflation before Watergate.

What earns the marks

• Assess the legislative achievements of Kennedy's New Frontier, contrasting his rhetorical success with his struggles against a conservative Congress.
• Evaluate the scope and impact of Johnson's Great Society, particularly the Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, and the War on Poverty.
• Analyse the factors contributing to the Republican revival under Nixon, including the backlash against civil rights, anti-war protests, and social liberalism.
• Examine Nixon's domestic policies, noting the contradiction between his conservative 'New Federalism' rhetoric and his expansion of federal environmental and social agencies.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Overstating Kennedy's legislative achievements.

  Put it right: Distinguish between Kennedy's inspirational rhetoric and the actual legislation passed, much of which was stalled in Congress.

• Viewing Nixon's domestic policy as purely conservative.

  Put it right: Acknowledge his creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and support for affirmative action initiatives.

• Claiming economic stagnation caused Nixon's 1968 election.

  Put it right: Recognise that the economy was expanding in 1968; Nixon's election was driven by social upheaval, while stagflation became a major issue during his presidency.

Exam tips

• Compare the legislative effectiveness of Kennedy and Johnson, noting how Johnson used his congressional experience and the post-assassination mood to pass stalled bills.
• Use the concept of the 'Silent Majority' to explain the political realignment that enabled Nixon's Republican revival in 1968 and 1972.
• Evaluate the long-term legacy of the Great Society by balancing its successes in reducing poverty against criticisms of welfare dependency.