Class Notes: John F.

Kennedy

I. Introduction

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, often referred to as JFK, was the 35th President of the United
States.
Born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts, JFK came from a prominent political
family.
He served as President from January 20, 1961, until his tragic assassination on November
22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.
II. Early Life and Education

JFK was the second of nine children in the Kennedy family.

He attended Harvard College, where he excelled academically and developed an interest in
international relations.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy, commanding PT-109 and demonstrating
bravery when the ship was attacked by a Japanese destroyer.
III. Political Career

JFK's political career began when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in
1946.
In 1952, he was elected to the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts.
He ran for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 1960 and won, becoming the
youngest person elected as President at age 43.
IV. Key Achievements as President

1. Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

One of the most significant events of his presidency.

A standoff with the Soviet Union over the placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba.
JFK's diplomacy and a naval blockade helped resolve the crisis without war.
2. Space Race

JFK's commitment to space exploration led to the Apollo program.

He set the goal of landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade, which was
achieved in 1969.
3. Civil Rights

Although progress was slow, JFK took steps to support civil rights initiatives.
He proposed civil rights legislation and took actions to desegregate schools and public
facilities.
4. Alliance for Progress

An initiative to improve relations with Latin American countries and promote economic
development.
Aimed to counter the spread of communism in the Western Hemisphere.
V. Challenges and Controversies
JFK faced challenges, including the Bay of Pigs invasion (1961) and ongoing Cold War
tensions.
His personal life and health, as well as allegations of extramarital affairs, were subjects of
controversy and scrutiny.
VI. Assassination and Legacy

JFK was tragically assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963.

His death shocked the nation and the world, leading to an outpouring of grief.
His legacy includes:
His inspirational speeches, including the famous "Ask not what your country can do for you"
inaugural address.
Advancements in civil rights and space exploration.
The enduring image of a young, charismatic leader.
The creation of the Peace Corps.
The Kennedy family's continued influence in American politics.
VII. Conclusion

John F. Kennedy's presidency, though brief, left a lasting impact on the United States and
the world.
He is remembered for his leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis, commitment to space
exploration, and efforts to advance civil rights.
His untimely death remains a significant historical event that continues to be studied and
commemorated.