New Frontier

The resources and questions discussed in this lesson plan allow students to delve into the cultural and social impacts of various marginalized groups on significant time periods introduced throughout US History and World History.

            Kennedy’s “New Frontier” involved the workings of a domestic plan that was envisioned to transform the American way of life, bringing millions out of poverty as the riches and wealth from the Eisenhower era faded. But the “New Frontier” would coincide with intense periods of the Cold War (e.g., Cuban Missile Crisis) and the Civil Rights Movement as various groups of marginalized peoples fought fiercely for their rights. This meant Kennedy had to acknowledge minorities and their voices as they were instrumental in his election & re-election as a Catholic Democrat. This is apparent through his talks and discussion with Hispanic groups who empathized and connected with Kennedy’s Catholic and Irish background (which was often weaponized against him). Furthermore, Kennedy would slowly but eventually recognize the African-American fight for rights and would aid several civil rights activists, along with supporting Third World countries around the globe to fight Communism. These acts by Kennedy are essential, but they require us to see them from a minority perspective to truly understand the impact and legacy of Kennedy’s “New Frontier” and presidency.  

Review Sources:

JFK's Latino milestone

Mexican-American Vets Ignited Kennedy's Latino Support

Overview: New Frontiers: Politics and Social Change in the 1960s

JFK, LBJ, and the Fight for Equal Opportunity in the 1960s 

JFK and a Nation of Immigrants: Transcript 

John F. Kennedy's Courting of African Nationalism 

The American Indian Movement, 1968-1978 | DPLA 

Frank Kameny, JFK, & the Case for LGBTQ+ Rights

Review/Discussion Questions:

1.  How did Kennedy help realize the Latino voter bloc? 

2.  What does this bloc mean for the Latino community - did they become more or less politically vocal?

3.  Why did Kennedy need to recognize the Civil Rights Movement; what actions did he take to do so? Were these actions enough? Was everyone happy with them?

4.  Kennedy was a staunch supporter of reforming immigration law in the US: why would this be beneficial to minoritized groups in the US? 

5.  Was former American immigration law racist/exclusionary of certain minorities?

6.  The Third World was made up of many African countries who had just been freed under the yoke of colonialism or struggling against it; would African-Americans benefit from the favorable treatment of these countries? Does this also apply for Latin American countries and Hispanics in the US?