Introduction and Purpose
This digital anthology contains many different topical sources of the Kennedy Administration. Some sources were created before his ascension into the Presidency while a great deal more showcase his actions during his tenure in office. The anthology contains Executive Orders, Campaign Letters, Speeches, Addresses on foreign policy, and addresses on domestic policy. These sources though seemingly have very little in common come together to highlight the successful presidency of John F. Kennedy and showcase his ability to pave way for decades of change in America.
The anthology is meant to highlight President Kennedy as a “change maker” in American politics. From the onset of his 1960 campaign and the use of his “Letter to Arrow” which highlights his focus on change in Indian Affairs as well as his statement on Civil Rights Legislation showcase a man who believes in a better America and is focused on creating one. Though these two sources deal with two very different topics they illustrate President Kennedy’s demand for equality that began prior to his administration and would make great leaps under the Johnson Administration.
Though the anthology highlights a few sources on the Civil Rights Movement and leaves out some of Kennedy’s memorable speeches or personal recordings it is done with much care. Throughout President Kennedy’s tenure in office one can see how much impact he had on the Civil Rights Movement. So much occurred during the three short years he held the presidential office and many of his successes were from his support and protection of the Civil Rights Movement. There may not be many sources pertaining to the Cold War or America’s sensitive relationship with the Soviet Union, it is done on purpose. One can arguably say that Kennedy’s greatest success in office deal with the desegregation of public universities, the public condemnation of those on the wrong side of history, and the use of his brother, Robert Kennedy to enforce his Executive Orders regarding the Civil Rights Movement.
This anthology is to serve teachers and students alike in showing the sometimes forgotten successes of President Kennedy. Too often educators look at the Kennedy Presidency and see it as a simple one day lesson that highlights his election, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his eventual assassination. The hope for this anthology is to show both teachers, students, and ordinary people alike the depth the Kennedy Presidency had. To show his trip to Ireland as more than just a visit to his ancestral homeland but to highlight the strong connection Ireland and America have with one another. To use his speech to the Irish Parliament to showcase his ascension to world leader, a leader that was respected by many. To focus the attention on his address to the UN which shows a man who is hopeful for not only the future of the country he leads but for the world as a whole. It connects with his hope to make changes in America to create a better country for all of its inhabitants. Kennedy’s leadership on a global scale always connect back to his hope to create a better America.
The sources within this anthology may seem untraditional. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library along with the Miller Center at the University of Virginia have access to personal recordings, videos, and hundreds of Kennedy’s speeches. So though this anthology might pass up some of those famous speeches or the use of recordings it was done so intentionally. Too often the Kennedy Administration is glanced over in the classroom and the purpose of this anthology is to bring out the “hidden” success of Kennedy’s tenure as president. Instead of highlighting major events like the Cuban Missile Crisis this anthology weaves together a narrative that highlights Kennedy as a man of hope. A man who focused on creating a better country for the generations following him. It delves into the dark past of pre-Civil Rights Movement America and showcases a man who openly condemned those who were stuck on the wrong side of history. These sources when weaved together to show a man who would unknowingly pave the way for a decades of change. Change that is still occurring today thank in large parts to the changes made during his presidential administration.
Through the Gilder Lehrman online course of The Kennedy Presidency taught by Dr. Barbara Perry, this side of the Kennedy Administration has come to life. The selections for this original digital anthology were made with these “hidden” or “underrated” success in mind. Though Kennedy is still a much beloved President, so much more can be taught to showcase why and how he has kept that title for so long. Students can use this anthology to delve into those parts of the Kennedy Presidency that are sadly overlooked in today’s classrooms. The Kennedy Administration was a “change maker” in American society and through the use of this digital anthology educators, students, and people alike can relive his tenure in office and see how the smaller, often overlooked speeches, orders, or remarks truly shaped the Kennedy Presidency into one that is known for change, progress, and social equality.
The anthology is meant to highlight President Kennedy as a “change maker” in American politics. From the onset of his 1960 campaign and the use of his “Letter to Arrow” which highlights his focus on change in Indian Affairs as well as his statement on Civil Rights Legislation showcase a man who believes in a better America and is focused on creating one. Though these two sources deal with two very different topics they illustrate President Kennedy’s demand for equality that began prior to his administration and would make great leaps under the Johnson Administration.
Though the anthology highlights a few sources on the Civil Rights Movement and leaves out some of Kennedy’s memorable speeches or personal recordings it is done with much care. Throughout President Kennedy’s tenure in office one can see how much impact he had on the Civil Rights Movement. So much occurred during the three short years he held the presidential office and many of his successes were from his support and protection of the Civil Rights Movement. There may not be many sources pertaining to the Cold War or America’s sensitive relationship with the Soviet Union, it is done on purpose. One can arguably say that Kennedy’s greatest success in office deal with the desegregation of public universities, the public condemnation of those on the wrong side of history, and the use of his brother, Robert Kennedy to enforce his Executive Orders regarding the Civil Rights Movement.
This anthology is to serve teachers and students alike in showing the sometimes forgotten successes of President Kennedy. Too often educators look at the Kennedy Presidency and see it as a simple one day lesson that highlights his election, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his eventual assassination. The hope for this anthology is to show both teachers, students, and ordinary people alike the depth the Kennedy Presidency had. To show his trip to Ireland as more than just a visit to his ancestral homeland but to highlight the strong connection Ireland and America have with one another. To use his speech to the Irish Parliament to showcase his ascension to world leader, a leader that was respected by many. To focus the attention on his address to the UN which shows a man who is hopeful for not only the future of the country he leads but for the world as a whole. It connects with his hope to make changes in America to create a better country for all of its inhabitants. Kennedy’s leadership on a global scale always connect back to his hope to create a better America.
The sources within this anthology may seem untraditional. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library along with the Miller Center at the University of Virginia have access to personal recordings, videos, and hundreds of Kennedy’s speeches. So though this anthology might pass up some of those famous speeches or the use of recordings it was done so intentionally. Too often the Kennedy Administration is glanced over in the classroom and the purpose of this anthology is to bring out the “hidden” success of Kennedy’s tenure as president. Instead of highlighting major events like the Cuban Missile Crisis this anthology weaves together a narrative that highlights Kennedy as a man of hope. A man who focused on creating a better country for the generations following him. It delves into the dark past of pre-Civil Rights Movement America and showcases a man who openly condemned those who were stuck on the wrong side of history. These sources when weaved together to show a man who would unknowingly pave the way for a decades of change. Change that is still occurring today thank in large parts to the changes made during his presidential administration.
Through the Gilder Lehrman online course of The Kennedy Presidency taught by Dr. Barbara Perry, this side of the Kennedy Administration has come to life. The selections for this original digital anthology were made with these “hidden” or “underrated” success in mind. Though Kennedy is still a much beloved President, so much more can be taught to showcase why and how he has kept that title for so long. Students can use this anthology to delve into those parts of the Kennedy Presidency that are sadly overlooked in today’s classrooms. The Kennedy Administration was a “change maker” in American society and through the use of this digital anthology educators, students, and people alike can relive his tenure in office and see how the smaller, often overlooked speeches, orders, or remarks truly shaped the Kennedy Presidency into one that is known for change, progress, and social equality.