John F. Kennedy

Democratic 1961--1963 Massachusetts

Key Facts

Term
1961--1963
Party
Democratic
Vice President
Lyndon B. Johnson
First Lady
Jacqueline Kennedy
Home State
Massachusetts
Born
1917
Died
1963

Biography

Kennedy won the 1960 election in one of the closest races in history, becoming the youngest elected president and the first Catholic.

Key Events & Accomplishments

  • Navigated the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962)
  • Established the Peace Corps (1961)
  • Committed the U.S. to landing on the moon
  • Assassinated in Dallas (November 22, 1963)

Election Results

YearOpponentElectoral VotePopular Vote
1960Richard Nixon303-219+0.2%

Notable Quotes

Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.

-- Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961

Did You Know?

  • Kennedy won the Pulitzer Prize for his book "Profiles in Courage."
John F. Kennedy -- 35th President | Civics Matter