Final answer:
In 1961, Kennedy significantly increased defense spending to support military enhancements and nuclear capabilities, with defense policy changes shaped by the context of Cold War tensions and anti-Communist initiatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy altered defense spending by significantly increasing it to bolster the military, which aligns with option (a) from the student's question. His administration's policy of flexible response necessitated an increase in defense spending that involved boosting military branches, establishing special forces such as the Green Berets and the Navy Seals, and notably tripling the nation's nuclear capabilities.
This militaristic approach was not limited to traditional forces but extended into the realm of space exploration and technology, effectively advancing the nation's long-range missile capability and demonstrating a commitment to Cold War politics and anti-Communist strategies.
Despite President Eisenhower's previous concerns about the economic implications of high defense spending, and his reduction of the military budget, Kennedy increased the Department of Defense budget by 20%. This increase was part of a broader political agenda that included the New Frontier program, which advocated for various domestic reforms such as raising the minimum wage, increasing social security payouts, and supporting civil rights legislation.
However, a substantial portion of the federal budget continued to be dedicated to defense under Kennedy's leadership, even as some domestic programs faced resistance from Congress.