John F Kennedy

 John F Kennedy was America’s second youngest elected president. He oversaw one of the most crucial moments in the Cold War (Cuban Missile Crisis) and sought to affirm America’s beliefs in basic human rights by calling for civil rights legislation and an attack on poverty and degradation. Assassinated in November 22, 1963, his tragic death shocked America and the world.

Born in May 1917, John F. Kennedy came from an illustrious political family; his father Joseph Kennedy was a leading member of the Democrat party and Joseph encouraged John F. Kennedy in his political ambitions after the war.

John graduated from Harvard after completing a thesis on “Appeasement in Munich” His thesis was later converted into a successful book – Why England Slept.

Before America joined the war, John joined the navy and saw action throughout the Pacific theatre. In August 1943, his boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer ‘Amagiri’. John F Kennedy was later decorated for his outstanding bravery in rescuing a fellow crewman; he was also awarded the Purple heart for later action. Later he was modest about his actions, saying he felt a bit embarrassed as it resulted from a botched military action.

In 1946, he won a seat in Boston for the US House of Representatives, and in 1952 got himself elected for the US Senate, defeating the incumbent Republican.

In 1953, he married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier. In 1957 he was awarded the Pulitzer prize for biography for his book ‘Profiles in Courage‘ a book about US Senators who stood up for their personal beliefs.

In 1956, he was nearly chosen to be the Vice Presidential candidate for Adlai Stevenson. The national exposure raised his profile, and in 1960 he was chosen to be the Democratic nomination for the Presidency.

In 1960, in a very tight election, John F. Kennedy narrowly defeated the much fancied Republican, Richard Nixon. It was a memorable election with many millions glued to the tv in the pre-election hustings. John F Kennedy came across very well on TV and looked more relaxed and professional on camera.

It was the first time a Roman Catholic had been elected president and it was a big issue in America where many Protestants distrusted the prospect of America being influenced by the Vatican. He had to assure voters he was not a Catholic candidate for presidency, but someone standing for President who happened to be a Catholic.

During his inauguration, JFK, gave a very memorable speech, where he famously encouraged citizens to help the nation become strong again.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/politicians/american/j-f-kennedy.html