John F. Kennedy's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of John F. Kennedy.

John F. Kennedy (JFK) was the 35th U.S. President, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. As the first Roman Catholic and youngest elected president at 43, his presidency occurred during the peak of the Cold War. His foreign policy heavily focused on relations with the Soviet Union and Cuba. Prior to becoming president, Kennedy, a Democrat, represented Massachusetts in both the House and Senate.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

April 1943: Took command of PT-109

In April 1943, Kennedy took command of PT-109, then based on Tulagi Island in the Solomons.

1944: PT-109 rescue chronicled in The New Yorker

In 1944, the PT-109 rescue story was chronicled by John Hersey in The New Yorker.

1952: Kennedy defeated Lodge for Senate seat

In 1952, Kennedy narrowly defeated Lodge by 70,000 votes for the Senate seat.

1956: Kennedy publishes "Profiles in Courage"

During his convalescence in 1956, Kennedy published "Profiles in Courage", a book about U.S. senators who risked their careers for their personal beliefs.

Profiles in Courage (Harper Perennial Modern Classics)

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1957: Kennedy wins Pulitzer Prize for Biography

In 1957, Kennedy won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography for his book "Profiles in Courage".

1960: Elected as President

In 1960, Kennedy was elected president of the United States, narrowly defeating Richard Nixon.

September 1961: ICC ruling in favor of Freedom Riders petition

In September 1961, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) ruled in favor of the Justice Department's petition to adhere to federal law, following the Freedom Riders' protests.

1961: Economic expansion during Kennedy's presidency begins

From early 1961, the GDP expanded by an average of 5.5%, inflation remained around 1%, and unemployment eased during Kennedy's presidency.

1961: Kennedy's Relationship with the Media

In 1961, Kennedy asked for presidential press conferences to be broadcast live and the Radio-Television News Directors Association presented Kennedy with its highest honor, the Paul White Award, in recognition of his open relationship with the media.

1961: Kennedy's legislative agenda and successes

In 1961, Kennedy focused on passing five key bills: federal education assistance, medical insurance for the elderly, housing legislation, aid to struggling areas, and a minimum wage increase. The minimum wage bill increasing it to $1.25/hour passed but exempted laundry workers. He also secured passage of the Area Redevelopment Act and the Housing Act of 1961, but faced defeat for his education and health insurance bills.

1961: Awarded Laetare Medal

In 1961, Kennedy was awarded the Laetare Medal by the University of Notre Dame, which is considered the most prestigious award for American Catholics.

April 1962: Kennedy confronts U.S. Steel over price increases

In April 1962, Kennedy responded to U.S. Steel's price increase by initiating a price-fixing investigation and pressuring other steel companies to rescind their increases, ultimately leading U.S. Steel to also reverse its decision.

September 12, 1962: Kennedy's Speech Promoting Space Effort

On September 12, 1962, Kennedy delivered a speech promoting the space effort, following the reorganization of NASA and the construction of new centers.

September 1962: James Meredith enrolls at the University of Mississippi

In September 1962, James Meredith's attempt to enroll at the University of Mississippi led to riots, prompting Kennedy to send federal marshals and troops to restore order and ensure his enrollment.

November 21, 1962: Kennedy Explains Importance of Moon Shot

On November 21, 1962, in a cabinet meeting, Kennedy explained that the Moon shot was important for reasons of international prestige and justified the expense.

June 11, 1963: Kennedy intervenes in University of Alabama integration

On June 11, 1963, Kennedy intervened when Governor George Wallace blocked the University of Alabama entrance to prevent two Black students from attending, and later that evening, Kennedy delivered his Report to the American People on Civil Rights speech on national television and radio.

June 1963: Civil rights speech

In June 1963, Kennedy gave a speech for civil rights legislation—to provide equal access to public schools and other facilities, and greater protection of voting rights.

June 1963: Kennedy's Visit to West Germany and West Berlin

In June 1963, Kennedy traveled to West Germany and West Berlin. On June 26, Kennedy toured West Berlin, culminating in a public speech at the city hall. Kennedy reiterated the American commitment to Germany and criticized communism and used the construction of the Berlin Wall as an example of the failures of communism: "Freedom has many difficulties, and democracy is not perfect. But we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in, to prevent them from leaving us." The speech included the famous phrase "Ich bin ein Berliner".

June 26, 1963: Kennedy Visits Ireland

On June 26, 1963, Kennedy began a four-day visit to his ancestral home of Ireland, where he accepted a grant of armorial bearings, received honorary degrees, attended a State Dinner, was conferred with freedom of several towns, and visited the cottage where his ancestors had lived.

September 23, 1963: Senate Approves Limited Test Ban Treaty

On September 23, 1963, the U.S. Senate approved a limited treaty prohibiting atomic testing on the ground, in the atmosphere, or underwater, but not underground.

October 7, 1963: Kennedy Signs Limited Test Ban Treaty

On October 7, 1963, Kennedy signed the limited treaty prohibiting atomic testing on the ground, in the atmosphere, or underwater, but not underground.

1963: Continued economic prosperity

By late 1963, during Kennedy's presidency, industrial production had risen by 15% and motor vehicle sales increased by 40%, reflecting continued economic prosperity.

July 20, 1969: Apollo 11 Moon Landing

On July 20, 1969, almost six years after Kennedy's death, Apollo 11 landed the first crewed spacecraft on the Moon.

2010: Gallup Organization Survey

In 2010, a survey by the Gallup Organization found Kennedy to be the most popular modern president with an 85 percent retrospective approval rating.

2014: Washington Post Survey

In 2014, a Washington Post survey of the American Political Science Association ranked Kennedy 14th highest overall among U.S. presidents, but also as the most overrated.