What did the term "New Frontier" refer to during John F. Kennedy's presidency?

The term "New Frontier" during John F. Kennedy's presidency encapsulated his ambitious agenda aimed at addressing various challenges facing the nation in both domestic and international spheres. This initiative included significant efforts to reduce poverty, enhance civil rights, improve education, and advance health care, showcasing a commitment to social and economic reform.

In the foreign policy realm, the New Frontier also emphasized Kennedy's approach to the Cold War, focusing on fostering peace while also being prepared to meet Communist expansion with strength. The initiative inspired a sense of optimism and a call for greater civic engagement and innovation, pushing Americans to explore new solutions to longstanding issues.

While space exploration played a critical role during Kennedy's presidency—especially with his famous commitment to landing a man on the Moon by the end of the 1960s—the term "New Frontier" broadly captures the entirety of his policy initiatives rather than focusing solely on space endeavors or military strategy. Additionally, the social movements of the 1960s, while significant, were generally a reaction to the political climate of the time rather than a defining characteristic of Kennedy's own program. Thus, the term effectively represents his holistic vision for America as both a call to action and a framework for his policy initiatives.