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Announces intention for Presidency
On January 2, 1960, John F. Kennedy announces his intention to run for the Democratic Party presidential nomination. -
Kennedy Wins Nomination
On July 15, 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy was selected as the nominee for President of the United States in the 1960 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, California. -
Kennedy-Nixon TV Debate
John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon participate in the first ever televised presidential debate. This marked a turning point in the campaign. -
Kennedy Takes the Presidency
John F. Kennedy is elected the 35th president of the United States, defeating Republic opponent Richard Nixon, by a slim margin of only 118,000 votes nationwide. -
Kennedy Inaugural
Kennedy is sworn into the presidency and delivers his inaugural address to America. -
Peace Corps
John F. Kennedy establishes the Peace Corps by executive order. -
Bay of Pigs
A group of CIA-trained Cuban exiles attempts to invade Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. The Cuban army quickly thwarts their efforts, and the Kennedy-approved fiasco becomes a major embarrassment for the new president. -
Trip to the Moon
JFK announces his intentions of sending a man to the moon -
Cuban Crisis
JFK is shown photos of Soviet nuclear missile sites being installed in Cuba. To minimize Soviet power in the West, the president initiates a blockade of Cuba the following week. -
Civil Rights
In a televised address to the nation, Kennedy proposes the enactment of civil rights legislation, marking his first decisive action on civil rights. -
Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
In a televised address to the nation, Kennedy proposes the enactment of civil rights legislation, marking his first decisive action on civil rights. -
Assassination
Lee Harvey Oswald shoots and kills JFK in Dallas, Texas where Kennedy was campaigning for re election
