KEY TERMS Key Terms and People to Know for the Regents Exam
Sputnik / Space Race
After the Soviets launched the first satellite sent into space (Sputnik), the US increased funding for science and tech education. Kennedy committed to winning the “space race” against the Soviets, and US astronauts landed on the moon in 1969.
Peace Corps
Kennedy created the Peace Corps, which sends Americans to assist “developing” nations by helping them improve their farming, technology, and education systems.
Bay of Pigs Invasion
As the Cold War continued, President Kennedy (elected in 1960) tried to remove Fidel Castro (a communist dictator) from power by supporting an invasion into Cuba by anti-Castro Cubans. The invasion failed and Castro remained in power.
Cuban Missile Crisis
After the Soviets placed nuclear missiles on Cuba, the US blockaded Cuba until the Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles. During the crisis, America and the Soviet Union came very close to starting a nuclear war.