JOHN F. KENNEDY and his influence on America
John F. Kennedy (JFK) was a Massachusetts senator before winning the presidency in 1960. His support of civil rights won him the votes of some of the African American demographic and along with his performance in the televised debate, he was able to pull through the election barely ahead of Nixon.
JFK was also very involved with his family. His was the first family to ever occupy the White House, which fascinated the American public. People were very interested in all of their habits and followed each and every action of the young family.
The New Frontier was Kennedy's vision of progress and he focused on a policy of increased spending to help pull the US Economy out of its recession. He also increased minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and gave special assistance to areas with high unemployment rates.
One great accomplishment is that Kennedy began the Peace Corps, a volunteer program that provided assistance to developing nations. He was very concerned with helping people in whatever way he could. Another program he founded was Alliance for Progress which offered economic support to Latin American countries.
In 1963, Kennedy began focusing on domestic issues like civil rights and he also brought forth a tax cut proposal. He was known for having a very bright administration surrounding him and backing him up. McGeorge Bundy, a Harvard University Dean, and Ford Motor Company President Robert McNamara were secretary of defense and secretary of state. His greatest adviser was his brother Robert who he appointed as attorney general.
However, in 1963 his work was cut short when he was assassinated and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald. The tragedy hit the nation hard and people were devastated by the lost of a great leader.
-Hannah and Mingming
