John F. Kennedy (1917 – 1963) US President 1961 – 1963

Introduction

Irish Catholics from a wealthy, wellconnected Boston family raised John F. Kennedy. “Jack” Kennedy experienced numerous serious illnesses during his childhood and adolescence. Despite this, he put forth a lot of effort to establish a successful career, by writing books and volunteering at the time of World War II. Kennedy rose to fame as a result of his bravery in combat. After serving as a journalist for a limited time, Kennedy entered politics. He also served in the US navy.

Early Life and Education

• John Fitzgerald Kennedy, called JFK, was born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts.

• At the age of ten, Kennedy’s family moved to New York, and he was sent to a boarding school at that time.

• While there, he swiftly rose to great popularity among his classmates while earning only ordinary marks. Similar things happened when, while his father was serving as ambassador to Great Britain throughout his time at Harvard, which he attended between 1936 and 1940.

U. S. Naval Reserve

• Shortly after Kennedy obtained his Harvard degree, the United States entered World War II. His weak health prevented him from joining the US Navy at first. But he was hired as captain of “The PT boat,” in the Pacific, after his father's involvement.

• Kennedy is widely recognised for leading his crew to safety from islands from Japanese domination. Was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries, in addition to the US Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Valour.

Journalism

• John Patrick Kennedy, was a Catholic journalist and also was the editor of The New Zealand Tablet, a weekly Catholic newspaper from 1967 until 1989.

• Kennedy entered politics after a career in journalism. The Kennedy family had anticipated that Joe, the oldest brother, would be the first to enter politics.

• His ties to his family helped him secure a position in the US House of Representatives in 1946. In 1952 Kennedy was elected to the Senate after serving three terms in the House.

Congressional Career

• Kennedy played a part in changing American politics. The increased influence of television on voters led to the normalisation of lengthy election campaigns. The style evolved and became a significant element that complemented substance.

• Before becoming president, Kennedy led an affluent life, and his ordinary extremely brief term in congress had been nothing special. While some individuals feared that Kennedy lacked the expertise necessary to lead the nation during such a challenging time.

Presidency

• John F. Kennedy took the oath of office on January 20, 1961, becoming the 35th president. He also urged all countries to work together to combat what he called man's “common enemies: tyranny, hunger, sickness, and war itself.”

• But the president was also deeply worried. One of his main worries was the possibility of a nuclear war between the US and the USSR.

• He aimed to make the finest choices possible for his nation. The Peace Corps was one of President Kennedy's first initiatives. American citizens can volunteer to help anywhere in the globe when assistance is required through this programme, which is still in operation today.

Assassination

• While President Kennedy travelled to Texas on November 21, 1963, bullets rang out in Dallas as his automobile sped through joyful crowds. Kennedy suffered severe injuries and passed away shortly after. Police detained Lee Harvey Oswald shortly after the incident and accused him of the murder.

• On November 24, Jack Ruby shot and killed the sole person who might have revealed any information about this terrible incident. The Commission of Warren was created to investigate the slaying and provide answers to the many unsolved questions.

Personal Life and Reputation

• John F. Kennedy’s parents were from politically prominent, affluent Boston families. Boston's mayor had been his maternal grandfather. Joseph P. Kennedy, the president-father, elect's amassed wealth through the stock market. He was able to withdraw money from the market before the stock market crash.

• Despite the Great Depression that soon followed, “Jack” and his eight siblings had a prosperous childhood, went to elite private schools and had access to boats, and holiday homes.

• Kennedy later asserted that the little knowledge he had about the Great Depression came from books he read while studying at Harvard. Before his presidency on September 12, 1953, he married Jacqueline at St. Mary’s Church in Rhode Island. Four children were born to JFK and JAC

Conclusion

The idealistic spirit of “a new generation of Americans” was inspired by John F. Kennedy, the first young Roman Catholic President of the United States. Before being assassinated, he promoted the American space programme with charm and hope and provided calm, active leadership during the Cuban missile crisis. Kennedy firmly felt that everyone, regardless of skin colour, should have equal rights. He was a great politician who believed in practical actions. It can be felt through his words that “the way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing”.

FAQs

Q1. What was John F. Kennedy's famous line in his speech?

Ans. Children and adults together were motivated by John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech to realize the value of civic engagement and public service. His famous quote, “Ask not what your nation can do for you—ask what you can do for your nation,” encouraged every American to make a positive impact on society.

Q2. Who were the children of John F. Kennedy'?

Ans. Jacqueline and Kennedy had four children, Caroline, John Jr., Patrick, and Arabella. In 1956, Jackie gave birth to a stillborn baby girl after miscarrying in 1955. Baby Arabella was given that name.

Q3. What did Kennedy do for the economy?

Ans. Kennedy proposed a tax cut to encourage growth in the economy. Kennedy was adamant that the tax cut would increase consumer demand, foster economic expansion, lower unemployment, and increase tax collection.