How Did Kennedy Become President

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Pages: 5

The handsome, charismatic, and charming senator from Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy, became president in 1961 inheriting foreign and domestic policies of a turbulent world. Once in office, Kennedy quickly faced international and domestic challenges that would force him to make choices for the security of America, as well as the rest of the world. He is remembered for accomplishments and failures in policy making, but his assassination in November of 1963, cut short his plans for America. It is difficult to know what his abilities as president would have brought to the 1960s. Many admirers judge Kennedy on his intentions, rather than his accomplishments. However, the choices Kennedy made on foreign and domestic policies, as well as his reaction to wars and natural disaster have influenced the last fifty years of American politics. …show more content…
An avid student of government and history at Harvard University, John “Jack” Kennedy became very interested in world affairs especially because of his father’s role as US Ambassador to England during World War II. After graduating and traveling to England, Kennedy joined the Navy during World War II and served as a commander of torpedo boat. His brother Joe also joined the Navy but did not return from the war, as his plane was attacked during a dangerous mission in Europe. Once John Kennedy returned home from war, his father insisted he run for Congress in Massachusetts, winning in 1946. He later served the House of Representatives and the US Senate as a Democrat. At age 36 he married the elegant writer Jacqueline Bouvier, who supported him as he penned the Pulitzer Prize winning book, Profiles in Courage, while recovering from multiple back surgeries. These stepping stones laid the foundation and paved the way to define the leader John F. Kennedy would become in