Table Of ContentJOHN F. KENNEDY
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JOHN F. KENNEDY
A Biography
Michael Meagher and Larry D. Gragg
GREENWOOD BIOGRAPHIES
Copyright 2011 by Michael Meagher and Larry D. Gragg
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, except
for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review, without prior permission
in writing from the publisher.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Meagher, Michael.
John F. Kennedy : a biography / Michael Meagher and Larry D. Gragg.
p. cm. — (Greenwood biographies)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-313-35416-8 (hardcopy : alk. paper) — ISBN 978-0-313-35417-5
(ebook) 1. Kennedy, John F. ( John Fitzgerald), 1917–1963. 2. Presidents—
United States — Biography. I. Gragg, Larry Dale, 1950– II. Title.
E842.K43M43 2011
973.922092 — dc23
[B] 2011017654
ISBN: 978-0-313-35416-8
EISBN: 978-0-313-35417-5
15 14 13 12 11 1 2 3 4 5
This book is also available on the World Wide Web as an eBook.
Visit www.abc-clio.com for details.
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This book is printed on acid-free paper
Manufactured in the United States of America
CONTENTS
Series Foreword vii
Introduction ix
Timeline: Events in the Life of John F. Kennedy xiii
Chapter 1 The Kennedy Family: Modest Beginnings
and Beyond 1
Chapter 2 From Student to War Hero: Jack’s Early Years 7
Chapter 3 Congressman Kennedy 25
Chapter 4 Senator Kennedy 39
Chapter 5 The 1960 Presidential Campaign 59
Chapter 6 Into the Fire: Foreign Policy 77
Chapter 7 The New Frontier: Domestic Policy 105
Chapter 8 Explaining the Assassination 127
Chapter 9 Camelot 137
vi CONTENTS
Appendix: A Selection of Speeches by President John F. Kennedy 143
Selected Annotated Bibliography 169
Index 175
SERIES FOREWORD
I n response to high school and public library needs, Greenwood devel-
oped this distinguished series of full-length biographies specifi cally for
student use. Prepared by fi eld experts and professionals, these engaging
biographies are tailored for high school students who need challeng-
ing yet accessible biographies. Ideal for secondary school assignments,
the length, format and subject areas are designed to meet educators’
requirements and students’ interests.
Greenwood offers an extensive selection of biographies spanning
all curriculum related subject areas including social studies, the sci-
ences, literature and the arts, history and politics, as well as popular
culture, covering public fi gures and famous personalities from all time
periods and backgrounds, both historic and contemporary, who have
made an impact on American and/or world culture. Greenwood bi-
ographies were chosen based on comprehensive feedback from li-
brarians and educators. Consideration was given to both curriculum
relevance and inherent interest. The result is an intriguing mix of the
well known and the unexpected, the saints and sinners from long-ago
history and contemporary pop culture. Readers will fi nd a wide array
of subject choices from fascinating crime fi gures like Al Capone to
viii SERIES FOREWORD
inspiring pioneers like Margaret Mead, from the greatest minds of our
time like Stephen Hawking to the most amazing success stories of our
day like J. K. Rowling.
While the emphasis is on fact, not glorifi cation, the books are meant
to be fun to read. Each volume provides in-depth information about
the subject’s life from birth through childhood, the teen years, and
adulthood. A thorough account relates family background and educa-
tion, traces personal and professional infl uences, and explores struggles,
accomplishments, and contributions. A timeline highlights the most
signifi cant life events against a historical perspective. Bibliographies
supplement the reference value of each volume.
INTRODUCTION
I t is a beautiful sunny day in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The
city is hosting President John F. Kennedy and the First Lady. The presi-
dent has had some misgivings about the Texas trip. In fact, his staff has
urged him not to make it. Yet the visit is turning into a success as the
young couple receives a warm welcome from the residents. Approach-
ing 12:30 p .m ., the president’s motorcade makes its way through the
downtown area of Dallas; members of the secret service are nervous,
as the tall buildings pose a security risk to the nation’s chief executive.
There is a sigh of relief as the motorcade leaves Dealey Plaza and moves
into a more open area. Members of the president’s entourage feel that
the danger is passed. Suddenly, shots ring out, and the president and
Texas governor John Connally slump. In an instant comes the fatal
shot to the president’s head, and the “murder of the century” enters the
history books.
I n the days, months, and years following the Kennedy assassination,
competing visions of the president’s legacy emerged. Commentators
offered profuse praise in newspaper and magazine articles in the im-
mediate aftermath of his death. Led by distinguished historian and
former presidential aide Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., several authors
