John F. Kennedy Reasons For The Civil Rights Movement

Minh Pham Mr. Robins Pre- AP U.S. History 20 October 2015 Kennedy: Reasons to Remember the Name John Fitzgerald Kennedy, born in 1917, was the youngest ever to be elected president in the United States history, also the youngest to leave office when he was assassinated 3 years after his election. Regardless of his short time in office, he left an astonishing impact on every single individual and on the country as a whole. As a president, John F. Kennedy was successful in managing the economy as well as political issues in both domestic and foreign affairs with wise decisions, showing true optimism and genuine love for America. During his presidency, the civil rights movement was rising and became a problem in domestic policy. Even†¦show more content†¦However, it was declined. After his assassination, the bill was left with his vice president, Lyndon B. Johnson. Later in 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed, perhaps, as a way to honor their belated president. When it comes to the economy, President Kennedy raised the minimum wage, improved Social Security benefits and healthcare and, most importantly, cut taxes. In his well known Inaugural Address of 1961, Kennedy said â€Å"[and] so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.† (â€Å"John F. Kennedy: Inaugural†). And he did, he did more than enough for his country while his country did nothing for him. Lacking congressional support, many of his campaigns and programs were turned down. However, he did manage to increase the minimum wage to $1.25 and to lower poverty and the unemployment rate. In 1962, the Trade Expansion Act was passed authorizing tariffs reduction up to 50% pursuing Kennedy’s goals of international partnership and secured negotiating powers. As for cutting taxes, Kennedy faced even more trouble as many people did not agree that cutting taxes would lead to higher revenues. â€Å"Kennedy †¦ [believed]... that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ and that strong economic growth would not continue without lower taxes† (â€Å"JFK†). He was right. These tax cuts boosted the economy and benefited many presidents afterward,