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A majority of Kennedy’s domestic affairs failed to gain support in Congress, such as his Medicare program (which would provide health insurance for the elderly) and federal funding for elementary and secondary schools. Due to his assassination, Kennedy was unable to achieve all of his domestic goals, especially as a conservative Congress refused to pass any further New Deal-esque legislation. A great deal of Kennedy’s term was spent handling foreign policy, especially concerning communist nations. Still in the throws of the Cold War, the US was faced with constant threats from the Soviet Union and Cuba (see Cold War Diplomacy). The Trade Expansion Act authorized tariff reductions of up to 50 percent in order to promote trade between the US and Western Europe. Through this act, the US began a period of extensive trading with Europe that continues to this day. The Peace Corps was created in 1961. This organization sends aid to those in need in countries around the world. Volunteers teach locals a variety of subjects, from languages to science to farming to environmental conservation. The Peace Corps enabled the young generation that was eager to change the world to actively work towards a better world. |