John Fitzgerald Kennedy
was the 35th President of the United States. Elected in 1960, when he was only 43 years old, he became the youngest person ever to serve in that office, and brought a freshness of spirit and inspiration that made him loved and admired, not only by the American people, but by millions throughout the world.The period of the Kennedy presidency was a time of energy and prosperity in the United States, when there was a new focus on the arts and a commitment to economic growth and progress in areas of science and innovation. He challenged the American people to reach beyond the barriers of space and work toward sending a man to the moon. Many laws that were passed during that time sought to end discrimination in American society, particularly in education, voting, employment, and public housing. He inspired many young Americans to dedicate themselves to public service, not only at home, but beyond the borders of the United States through his creation of the Peace Corps. President Kennedy’s policies in international diplomacy strove to establish strong relations with other countries to ensure a peaceful world and to reduce the threats of armed conflicts and nuclear war. Tragically, Kennedy’s time as president was cut short when, on 22 November 1963, he was killed by an assassin’s bullet, causing shock throughout the world and grief to those who loved and admired him.