John Fitzgerald Kennedy was one of the most famous and influential presidents in the history of the United States. During his presidency, he attempted to implement several reforms, supported by his “New Frontier” legislature. The goals of the New Frontier were to improve school funding, civil rights, and foreign policy. The New Frontier was meant to make the American population feel as if no frontier was impossible to reach, including the controversial final frontier of space. Despite the fact that many of its acts and bills were not passed or supported by Congress, the New Frontier was what led to many of the greatest advances that helped shape America today. It was January 20, 1961 when Kennedy first mentioned the New Frontier. (Nelson 622). He used it as part of his presidential acceptance speech, along with his natural charisma, to gain support for his highly progressive approach. The term “New Frontier” itself was something Kennedy created on his own, a term he believed represented the generation of those who were willing to make a change in their country (O’Donnell 224). The New Frontier, an expansion of the New Deal, urged Americans not to ask how their country can contribute more, but rather how they can contribute to the country. The New Frontier did not promise Americans an instant happier life, but it promised gradual change that could only happen if the people of the United States were willing to accept it. (O'Donnell 224). While there were many who did not accept this, this included a majority of congress, who were very often divided on decisions, but this was mostly due to partisanship, the tendency to always agree with one's political party (Sorenson 342). the most important change brought about by the New Frontier was the P...... middle of paper ......8). Kennedy would have difficulty appealing to both the American public and Congress, a problem that persisted throughout his presidency. Despite the many flaws of the Kennedy presidency, it can easily be considered a great success. Kennedy remained confident throughout his term, believing that change could still happen. Although, sadly, it wouldn't be until his assassination in 1963 that people would finally begin to understand what his goals were. People were no longer ashamed of his failures but grateful for his successes, from advances in space technology to civil rights legislation, as well as the Peace Corps. He left a legacy that could not be forgotten and an influence that continues to impact people today. Kennedy and his New Frontier didn't just change a nation, they changed the way people think today.