John F. Kennedy
| John F. Kennedy | |
|---|---|
| File:John F. Kennedy Presidential Portrait.jpg | |
| Order | 35th President of the United States |
| In office | January 20, 1961 – November 22, 1963 |
| Vice President | Lyndon B. Johnson |
| Preceded by | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Succeeded by | Lyndon B. Johnson |
| Born | May 29, 1917 Brookline, Massachusetts, United States |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (m. 1953–1963) |
| Children | Caroline, John Jr., Patrick (died in infancy) |
| Profession | Author, naval officer, politician |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
| Signature | File:John F. Kennedy Signature.svg |
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), commonly referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th president of the United States. He served from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. He remains one of the most iconic and admired presidents in American history.
Early Life and Education
Kennedy was born into a wealthy and politically prominent family in Brookline, Massachusetts. He graduated from Harvard University in 1940 and served as a naval officer during World War II, where he commanded a patrol torpedo boat (PT-109) and became a war hero.
Political Career
Kennedy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946 and to the U.S. Senate in 1952. In 1960, he won the Democratic nomination for president and defeated Republican Richard Nixon in a close and historic televised election.
Presidency (1961–1963)
Kennedy’s presidency was marked by Cold War tensions, including the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the early stages of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Domestically, he supported civil rights and launched the space race, famously stating the goal of landing a man on the Moon before the decade’s end.
Assassination
On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, while riding in a motorcade. His death shocked the nation and the world. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as president aboard Air Force One.
Legacy
Kennedy is remembered for his charisma, eloquence, and vision for a better America. His speeches and ideals, such as “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” continue to inspire.