John F. Kennedy - the Kennedy Family

The Kennedy Family

John F. Kennedy, one of the most popular presidents in the history of the United States, led a term filled with compassion and devotion. Although his life came to a tragic end, his ideas and dreams from his unfinished time still carry on today, leaving behind a memorable legacy for future generations to cherish. Like every other president, Kennedy impacted the executive office despite being in position for two short years. He was faithfully a man of his word and knew what was best for this country as he stated, "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty," (“John F. Kennedy: Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989”). His stance on foreign policy, decisions in regards to other countries, personalization and even his assassination are what truly shaped his presidency.

Kennedy was raised through many hardships as a child, mainly being ill all of the time, but still grew up to be a prosperous, ambitious man. He was an average student, more focused on history and politics, who was raised in a wealthy and powerful family. After graduating from Harvard, he enrolled in the military along with his brother Joe. His brother unfortunately died in a plane explosion, and in that moment, John F. Kennedy decided to put his brother's and family's dreams into action—to become president of the United States. In 1946, he decided to run for the House of Representatives in the district of Boston, Massachusetts to kick start his journey. When he won the election, it gained him much influence in the Democratic party. Kennedy was later nominated to run for president in the 1960 election against Richard Nixon. On that day, he became the youngest president and first Catholic to take office.

Kennedy experienced a lot of pressure during his presidency, mostly due to how young he was. Many supported and commended him for taking on a huge responsibility at his age, especially with all the obstacles he faced. World War II had caused bitterness between the United States and the Soviet Union, which later influenced the Cold War. The Soviet Union was known to be storing missiles in Cuba. President Kennedy knew that if there were to be a nuclear war, millions of innocent people would die, which was an unfavorable option at that point. Instead of bombing Cuba, Kennedy decided to handle the situation by demanding their removal or military action would immediately take action. This removal introduced a treaty that ended that specific problem with Russia. The U.S. was very impressed that a young president like J.F.K. could handle a significant danger like nuclear threats. He had won over many Americans by this time because of his skill to negotiate and manage other people in situations like such.

John F. Kennedy was known to be a man of the people. He wanted to fund schools, medical care and other places that desperately needed help and support. This desire to give others what they rightfully deserve shines through J.F.K.'s Peace Corps. On October 14, 1960, as Kennedy spoke to a crowd of over 10,000 students at the University of Michigan, he "pointed out the fact the Soviet Union had hundreds of men and women, scientists, physicists, teachers, engineers, doctors and nurses prepared to spend their lives abroad in the service of world communism," (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum). At this time, the United States had no such program, that is why he created the Peace Corps to help regular Americans volunteer to gain skills in the workplace. This act is still in place today, even after five decades, and helps people meet their needs as trained workers.

In just two short years, J.F.K. had accomplished so many beneficial things. Kennedy mastered one of the