The Missile Gap was in essence a growing perception in the W…

The Missile Gap was in essence a growing perception in the West, especially in the USA, that the Soviet Union was quickly developing an intercontinental range ballistic missile (ICBM) capability earlier, in greater numbers, and with far more capability than that of the United States. Even as that perception was disproved, it became evident that the Soviets were placing their major effort toward developing strategic missiles against which, once launched, there was no defense. The perceived missile gap that ensued was based on a comparison between US ICBM strength as then programmed, and reasonable, although erroneous estimates of prospective Soviet ICBM strength that were generally accepted. —Central Intelligence Agency Library   What was President Kennedy’s response to the perceived “missile gap” between the U.S. and SovietUnion?

“The challenge of the next half century is whether we have t…

“The challenge of the next half century is whether we have the wisdom to use that wealth to enrichand elevate our national life, and to advance the quality of our American civilization. . . . [W]e havethe opportunity to move not only toward the rich society and the powerful society, but upward to theGreat Society.”—President Johnson, University of Michigan, May 22, 1964   Lyndon Johnson gave this speech to