The United States and South Africa during the Kennedy Administration 1961-1963: John F. Kennedy, the United States, and South Africa
Date of Award
2017
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in History
Department
History
First Advisor
Douglas J. Little
Second Advisor
Ousmane Power-Greene
Keywords
History, International relations, American history, African history
Abstract
The object of this thesis is to show how historians of the Cold War, particularly those who cover diplomatic and race relations have overlooked certain themes with regards to President John F. Kennedy's policy toward the Republic of South Africa. This thesis shows that the ongoing debate of whether or not Kennedy was a pragmatic or an idealist world leader seems to overlook individual cases, in this thesis the case is South Africa. This thesis shows that Kennedy was against racism and white supremacy. These views were shaped during his upbringing, solidified during his time as a pre-presidential politician, and were enacted while he was President of the United States.
Recommended Citation
Davis, Benjamin, "The United States and South Africa during the Kennedy Administration 1961-1963: John F. Kennedy, the United States, and South Africa" (2017). History. 2.
https://commons.clarku.edu/history_masters_papers/2
