John F. Kennedy (GALE in Context Database)John F. Kennedy (1917–1963) was an American politician who served as the thirty-fifth president of the United States. Born into the prestigious Kennedy family of Massachusetts, he served as a US senator and a member of the House of Representatives prior to his presidency. Kennedy’s presidency was tense with issues ranging from the Cold War to the civil rights movement. His years in office led to some major developments in areas such as space policy and human rights. Kennedy was also responsible for the creation of the Peace Corps and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. After two years in office, his presidency abruptly ended when he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963.