An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963

Early Life and Education

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the second of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Kennedy's father was a wealthy businessman and diplomat, while his mother was a devout Catholic. The Kennedy family was politically active, and Joseph Sr. served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1938 to 1940.

Kennedy attended prestigious schools throughout his life, including Choate Rosemary Hall, Harvard College, and Harvard Law School. He graduated from Harvard in 1940, where he earned a degree in government. After graduating, Kennedy briefly worked as a journalist before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1941.

An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917 - 1963

by Robert Dallek

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6550 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1181 pages

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Military Service

Kennedy served in the Navy during World War II, commanding a PT boat in the Pacific Theater. In August 1943, Kennedy's boat was attacked by a Japanese destroyer, and Kennedy was rescued after swimming for several hours. His heroics earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

Kennedy's wartime experiences had a profound impact on him. He witnessed firsthand the horrors of war, and he developed a deep commitment to peace. After the war, Kennedy returned to the United States and began a career in politics.

Political Career

Kennedy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946. He served in the House for six years, representing the 11th Congressional District of Massachusetts. In 1952, Kennedy was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served for eight years.

Kennedy was a rising star in the Democratic Party. He was a charismatic speaker and a skilled politician. In 1960, Kennedy was elected President of the United States, defeating Republican candidate Richard Nixon.

Presidency

Kennedy's presidency was marked by both great achievements and challenges. He worked to improve civil rights, reduce tensions with the Soviet Union, and promote economic growth. Kennedy also established the Peace Corps and the Apollo program.

One of Kennedy's most notable achievements was the Cuban Missile Crisis. In October 1962, the United States discovered that the Soviet Union had placed nuclear missiles in Cuba. Kennedy ordered a naval blockade of Cuba and demanded that the Soviets remove the missiles. After a tense standoff, the Soviets agreed to withdraw their missiles.

Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. He was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald, a lone gunman. Kennedy's assassination was a national tragedy and shocked the world.

Legacy

John F. Kennedy's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a charismatic leader who inspired a generation of Americans. He also faced significant challenges, including the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Kennedy's assassination cut short his presidency, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Kennedy is remembered as a symbol of hope and idealism. He believed in the power of democracy and the importance of peace. Kennedy's legacy is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can always strive for a better future.

Image Gallery

Bibliography

• John F. Kennedy: A Life by Robert Dallek
• JFK: The Presidency of John F. Kennedy by Richard Reeves
• The Kennedy Tapes: Inside the White House During the Cuban Missile Crisis by Ernest May and Philip Zelikow
• A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
• The Death of a President: November 20-25, 1963 by William Manchester

An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917 - 1963

by Robert Dallek

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6550 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1181 pages

FREE