Early Life and Political Career
John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, commanded PT-109, and later worked as a journalist before entering politics. In 1946, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and in 1952 he won a U.S. Senate seat from Massachusetts.
Presidency and Major Events
Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th U.S. president on January 20, 1961. During his term, he faced the Cuban Missile Crisis, signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and launched the Alliance for Progress. He also created the Peace Corps and pushed for civil rights legislation while navigating Cold War tensions.
Assassination and Lasting Legacy
On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency. His death led to major investigations, a national mourning period, and lasting influence on U.S. policy. The JFK timeline remains a key reference for understanding mid-20th-century American history.
For a detailed overview of the JFK timeline, see the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum at jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-timeline.
