JOHN F. KENNEDY

*John F. Kennedy – Biography

*John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917 – 1963)*, often referred to as *JFK*, was the 35th President of the United States (1961 – 1963). A charismatic leader of the Cold War era, his brief tenure is remembered for the Cuban Missile Crisis, the early civil‑rights push, the “New Frontier” vision, and an enduring mythos of youthful optimism cut short by assassination.

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Early Life & Family
- *Born 29 May 1917*, *Brookline, Massachusetts*, to *Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.* (wealthy financier, later U.S. ambassador to the UK) and *Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy*, daughter of Boston Mayor John Francis “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald.
- *Irish‑Catholic*, second of nine children; siblings include *Robert F. Kennedy* (U.S. Attorney General) and *Ted Kennedy* (long‑serving Senator).
- Childhood marked by privilege and discipline; attended *Dexter School*, *Choate Rosemary Hall*, where he excelled in history and sports despite health issues (scarlet fever, chronic colitis).

Education & Military Service
- *Harvard College (1936‑1940)*, B.A. in International Relations. Thesis on *“Appeasement in Munich”*, later published as *Why England Slept (1940)*.
- *Navy (1941‑1945)*: After Pearl Harbor, enlisted; commanded *PT‑109* in the Solomon Islands. When the boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy saved several crew members, earning the *Navy and Marine Corps Medal*.

Congressional Career
- *1946:* Elected to the *U.S. House of Representatives (Democrat, Massachusetts)*; served three terms (1947‑1953).
- *1953:* Married *Jacqueline Lee Bouvier* (Jackie) in Newport, RI; two children, *Caroline (b. 1957)* and *John Jr. (b. 1960)*.
- *1953‑1960:* *U.S. Senator* from Massachusetts; authored *Profiles in Courage (1956)*—won the *Pulitzer Prize for Biography*.

1960 Presidential Election
- *Democratic nomination* secured after a fierce primary battle with *Lyndon B. Johnson* (later VP).
- *First televised presidential debates* (against *Richard Nixon*) – pivotal for image; Kennedy’s calm, charismatic demeanor contrasted with Nixon’s fatigue.
- *Won 303 EV to 219*, 49.7 % popular vote (margin of 0.17 %). Became the *first Catholic U.S. president* and the youngest (43) ever elected.

Presidency (1961‑1963)
*Inauguration (20 Jan 1961):*
- “*Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.*”

Domestic Policy – “New Frontier”
- *Space Race:* 25 May 1961 – pledged to land a man on the Moon before decade’s end (Apollo program).
- *Civil Rights:* Sent federal troops to *University of Mississippi (1962)* to enforce integration; supported *March on Washington (1963)* though legislation was passed after his death.
- *Economic:* Tax cuts, expansion of *Social Security*, creation of *Peace Corps (1961)* for youth service abroad.

Foreign Policy & Crises
- *Bay of Pigs (April 1961):* Failed CIA‑backed invasion of Cuba; embarrassment that led to increased secrecy.
- *Cuban Missile Crisis (Oct 1962):* 13‑day nuclear standoff with USSR; resolved with secret removal of U.S. missiles from Turkey and public promise not to invade Cuba.
- *Berlin Wall (1961):* Reinforced U.S. commitment to West Berlin; “*Ich bin ein Berliner*” speech (June 1963).
- *Cold War:* Flexible response strategy, increased defense spending, establishment of *Alliance for Progress* (Latin America aid).

Legislative Achievements (partial list)
- *Trade Expansion Act (1962)* – lowered tariffs, spurring global trade.
- *Equal Pay Act (1963)* – aimed at wage equity for women.
- *Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963)* – prohibited atmospheric nuclear tests (signed after his death).

Personal Life & Public Image
- *Charisma & Media Savvy:* First president to fully exploit television; hosted *live press conferences*, cultivated a *Camelot* image (reference to Arthurian legend).
- *Health Struggles:* Chronic *Addison’s disease*, back pain, heavy medication use (largely hidden from public).
- *Family:* Jackie’s elegance and the