John F. Kennedy

On August 2, 1943, Kennedy's boat, the PT-109, was taking part in a nighttime patrol near in the Solomon Islands. It was rammed by a Japanese destroyer. Kennedy was thrown across the deck, injuring his back. Nonetheless, he swam, towing a wounded man, to an island and later to a second island where his crew was subsequently rescued. For these actions, Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal under the following citation: For extremely heroic conduct as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat 109 following the collision and sinking of that vessel in the Pacific War Theater on August 1-2, 1943. Unmindful of personal danger, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) Kennedy unhesitatingly braved the difficulties and hazards of darkness to direct rescue operations, swimming many hours to secure aid and food after he had succeeded in getting his crew ashore. His outstanding courage, endurance and leadership contributed to the saving of several lives and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. When asked by a reporter how he became a war hero, Kennedy joked: "It was involuntary. They sank my boat."

With marriage Jackie Kennedy had to adapt herself to the new role of wife to one of the country's most energetic political figures. Her own public appearances were highly successful, but limited in number. After the sadness of a miscarriage and the stillbirth of a daughter, Caroline Bouvier was born in 1957; John Jr. was born between the election of 1960 and Inauguration Day. Patrick Bouvier, born prematurely on August 7, 1963, died two days later. To the role of First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy brought beauty, intelligence, and cultivated taste. Her interest in the arts, publicized by press and television, inspired an attention to culture never before evident at a national level. She devoted much time and study to making the White House a museum of American history and decorative arts as well as a family residence of elegance and charm. But she defined her major role as "to take care of the President" and added that "if you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much."

1.Election of 1960 -John F. Kennedy–Dem. Senator from Mass. -Richard Nixon-Rep. Eisenhower’s VP -religious issue (Kennedy is Catholic) -impact of television First-ever TV debates, Kennedy more appealing -Kennedy wins very close election Gains black vote by civil rights stance takes a hard line on communism

The election in November of 1960 was the closest since 1884; Kennedy won by fewer than 119,000 votes. Since Kennedy had been elected by the slimmest of margins, he lacked a popular mandate—a clear indication that voters approved of his plans. As a result, he often tried to play it safe politically.

2.Camelot Kennedy mystique -”Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.” Challenge to American people -special focus on American culture -Jackie Kennedy fashion – becomes icon Fascination with first family -The Best and the Brightest Strong team of advisors -feelings of hope and prosperity

3.New Frontier -(name of Kennedy’s legislative program) -medical care for the poor, urban renewal, education Kennedy’s domestic goals -Congress resisted his programs like Truman’s The same conservatives and Dixiecrats block his legislation -Kennedy took very few political risks lacked a voter’s mandate – tried to play it safe politically did very little for poverty or civil rights in first years

3.New Frontier -deficit spending to boost economy Lowered taxes, increased minimum wage, increased spending -increased defense spending Built missiles, submarine, and service positions to give jobs -Peace Corps created, 1961 volunteer program to help poverty stricken nations Especially in Asia, Africa, and South America to keep nations from turning to Communism -Alliance for Progress– program designed to give aid to poverty stricken Latin American nations -1963 saw Kennedy push for civil rights, end to poverty, lower taxes Pushed for a civil rights bill and large tax cut

4.Race to the Moon -Sputnik satellite started space race in 1957 Ike developed NASA and science programs to compete with USSR -1961 USSR sends first man to space U.S. sends one a month later -Kennedy challenges national leaders to get us to the moon Wants U.S. to be the first ones there within the decade -creation of NASA Alan Shepard – first in space John Glenn – first to orbit -program had several setbacks -goal of the moon reached July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong – first man on the moon

5.Tragedy -Nov. 22, 1963 Dallas -Kennedy assassinated while riding in a parade – in an open-air limo -Texas School Book Depository “Can’t say Texas isn’t friendly to you today.” – quote to JFK seconds before he was shot -Lyndon B. Johnson becomes president -Lee Harvey Oswald arrested for the crime rifle with fingerprints shady past – Marine, dishonorable discharge, briefly lived in the USSR and supported Fidel Castro -Jack Ruby Killed Lee Harvey Oswald

6.Unanswered Questions -Conspiracy theories Was it planned? lone assassin magic bullet theory Grassy Knoll -Warren Commission (Supreme Court) investigated the event and pronounced Oswald the lone assassin