crisis after another. In 1962, Kennedy faced what is known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. It
was one of two major confrontations during the Cold War period, and is generally
regarded as the moment in which the Cold War came closest to turning into a nuclear
conflict.
As well, the United States was being drawn into the problems of Vietnam, which would
lead to an unpopular war. Through it all, Kennedy continued to challenge and inspire
Americans to change the world.
Then, just three years after being elected, JFK was assassinated. Americans were in
shock; they could not believe their young and vital leader was dead.
In the face of tragedy, JFK’s ambitious dreams lived on. He had laid the groundwork for
nuclear arms treaties with Russia, civil rights legislation that banned discrimination, and
the Apollo space program that in 1969 landed the first human on the moon - just as JFK
had dreamed.
Although historians recognize that Kennedy had to make a lot of compromises when it
came to upholding his vision and principles, Americans remember him as a great leader
and a man determined to help his country achieve greatness.
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