John Fitzgerald Kennedy, commonly known as JFK, was born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts, into the prominent Kennedy family. His parents were Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., a businessman and politician, and Rose Kennedy, a philanthropist and socialite. JFK's paternal grandfather, P. J. Kennedy, was a prominent figure in Boston politics, while his maternal grandfather, John F. Fitzgerald, served as a U.S. Congressman and Mayor of Boston.

Kennedy's early years were marked by the influence of his ambitious father, who encouraged political discussions at the family dinner table and emphasized academic achievement. Despite the family's wealth, Kennedy was exposed to the rough and tumble of Boston politics during his grandfather's gubernatorial campaign in 1922. The family later moved to New York City in 1927 due to his father's business ventures and health concerns.

After attending the Canterbury School and Choate in Connecticut, Kennedy enrolled at Harvard College in 1936. His interest in politics grew during his upperclassman years, and he wrote for The Harvard Crimson. Kennedy's travels through Europe, the Soviet Union, and the Middle East provided insights for his senior honors thesis.

Kennedy's early political career began after World War II, where he served in the Navy and commanded PT-109. His actions during the sinking of PT-109 earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Kennedy entered journalism after the war, covering events like the Potsdam Conference. Following the death of his brother Joe Jr. in 1944, JFK became the family's political successor.

In 1946, Kennedy entered politics, winning a congressional seat in Massachusetts. During his six years in the House of Representatives, he focused on international affairs and supported measures like the Truman Doctrine. In 1952, Kennedy transitioned to the Senate, narrowly winning against Republican incumbent Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.

Kennedy's Senate career saw a focus on economic issues and support for initiatives like the Saint Lawrence Seaway. He also became involved in national politics, endorsing Adlai Stevenson II for president in 1956. In 1958, Kennedy was re-elected to the Senate by a wide margin, setting the stage for his presidential ambitions.

In 1960, Kennedy announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. His campaign strategy involved winning key primaries, and despite facing competition from Lyndon Johnson, Adlai Stevenson II, and Hubert Humphrey, Kennedy secured the nomination. He chose Lyndon Johnson as his running mate.

The 1960 presidential campaign against Richard Nixon was notable for the first televised debates in American history. Kennedy's charismatic performance and well-organized campaign contributed to his narrow victory. On January 20, 1961, JFK was inaugurated as the 35th president of the United States, becoming the youngest person elected to the presidency.

Kennedy's presidency unfolded against the backdrop of the Cold War. He adopted a policy of containment, implemented a defense strategy called flexible response, and focused on preventing the spread of communism. The Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba and the Cuban Missile Crisis were significant events during his tenure.

In domestic policy, Kennedy faced challenges due to his narrow election victory and limited connections in Congress. While some initiatives, like increasing the federal minimum wage and passing housing legislation, saw success, others faced opposition. Kennedy's administration also pursued trade policy reforms and advocated for a tax cut to stimulate economic growth.

Civil rights became a central issue during Kennedy's presidency. Initially cautious about alienating Southern whites, he later took a more proactive stance, delivering a significant speech in 1963 and laying the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Kennedy's presidency was tragically cut short on November 22, 1963, when he was assassinated in Dallas. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the murder but was shot and killed by Jack Ruby. The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald acted alone, but conspiracy theories persist.

Kennedy's personal life included his marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier and the birth of their children Caroline and John Jr. His health issues, including Addison's disease and chronic back pain, were kept secret. Kennedy's presidency is often described as "Camelot," symbolizing a mythic era in American history despite criticisms of this portrayal. Historians generally rank Kennedy as an above-average president, with a retrospective approval rating that remains exceptionally high. His presidency is remembered for achievements in civil rights, space exploration, and economic growth.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy