JFK's New Frontier

What was JFK's New Frontier?

John F Kennedy's domestic policy was called the 'New Frontier'. His aim was to eliminate poverty, inequality and fight unemployment.

What were the successes of Kennedy's New Frontier?

There are 4 key reasons it may be considered a success.

• ❖ Civil Rights: He created the Commission on Equal Employment Opportunity (CEEO), to ensure that all people employed by the federal government had equal opportunities.
• ❖ Economy: He made $900 million available to businesses to create new jobs, and gave grants to companies to buy new hi-tech equipment.
• ❖ Poverty: He made $4.9 billion available for loans to improve housing, clear slums, and build roads.
• ❖ Education: JFK set up the Peace Corps, an organisation that sent volunteers abroad to help in poorer countries.

What were the failures of Kennedy's New Frontier?

There are 4 key reasons it may be considered a failure.

• ❖ Civil Rights: The CEEO only helped those employed by the government.
• ❖ Economy: Unemployment only declined by 1 million, and it was twice as high for African Americans as it was for whites.
• ❖ Healthcare: Congress defeated JFK's proposals for cheaper and, in some cases free, healthcare.
• ❖ Education: Congress was dominated by southern politicians, who refused to support his plans for funding for schools after they clashed over Civil Rights.