How to Find Information on John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States and was the last president to be assassinated. His term in office was marked by the Cuban missile crisis and the civil rights movement. To learn more about him, follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet
• Books about the presidents
• Books about American history

1. Search government and history websites and books to learn about the best-known aspect of John F Kennedy--his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, generally regarded as the closest the world has come to nuclear war. You also should research the Bay of Pigs invasion, which set the stage for the missile crisis.
2. Study his biographies to learn that Kennedy served in the Navy, and both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Explore how he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for rescuing another sailor. See the movie "PT 109," which details Kennedy's World War II adventures. Learn how he won a Pulitzer Prize in 1957 for writing "Profiles in Courage" while recovering from spinal surgery.
3. Look for information on how Kennedy resolved the Cuban Missile Crisis by getting the Soviet Union to dismantle its missile bases in Cuba. In exchange, the United States agreed to lift the naval blockade and to never invade Cuba. Also learn about Kennedy's assassination by Lee Harvey Oswald on Nov. 22, 1963.
4. Study important legislation passed during Kennedy's presidency such as the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty that ended above-ground testing of nuclear weapons.
5. Examine other significant events in Kennedy's presidency such as, the Bay of Pigs, a failed attempt to oust Castro in Cuba. Learn about the troubles that led to the Vietnam War. Also worthy of study is the early days of the space program, which gained momentum after Kennedy announced his intent to put a man on the moon.