John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917, and died on November 22, 1963, at the age of 46. He was an American politician and served as the 35th President of the United States from 1961 until his assassination in 1963.
Childhood & Early Life
John F. Kennedy was born into a wealthy and politically connected family in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the second of nine children and grew up in a privileged environment. Despite suffering from various health problems throughout his life, Kennedy was a high-achieving student and attended several prestigious schools, including Harvard University.
Family life
Kennedy’s family was heavily involved in politics, and his father served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom during his son’s presidency. Kennedy’s older brother, Joseph Kennedy Jr., was also involved in politics but died in World War II.
Career:
After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Kennedy began his political career, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946. He went on to serve in the U.S. Senate before running for president in 1960.
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As president, Kennedy presided over a period of significant social and political change, including the Civil Rights Movement and the space race. He is perhaps best remembered for his leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tense standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. His death was a significant tragedy for the United States and the world, and he remains a beloved and iconic figure in American history.
Quick Facts:
- John F. Kennedy was the youngest person ever to be elected president of the United States, at the age of 43.
- He was the first Catholic president in American history.
- Kennedy’s famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” is often cited as one of the most memorable speeches in American political history.
