John F. Kennedy: A Personal Story (2 Parts)

This two-hour presentation of Biography chronicles the life and times of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was different than any other president America had ever seen. His sharp mind, quick wit, and boundless determination won him friends, confidantes, and devoted followers. As a World War II hero, respected senator, and author of Why England Slept and the Pulitzer Prize winning Profiles in Courage, Kennedy regarded life as a race against boredom. Here, the pivotal moments of his life and presidency are revisited through archival footage and interviews with famous journalists, Hollywood actors, and White House staffers. John F. Kennedy: A Personal Story would be useful for classes on American History, The History of Science and Technology, Political Science, American Culture and Civics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• acquisitions
• adrenal
• appease
• aspired
• auspicious
• capitulate
• cavalier
• discretion
• endeavor
• homage
• mogul
• ponderous
• pragmatic
• precocious
• prelude
• retrospect
• solace
• superlative
• tacit
• wry

1. John F. Kennedy was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. How did JFK's sense of humor become his "gift of survival?"

2. JFK's Irish ancestry was a source of pride and pain during his younger years in Brookline, Massachusetts. What role did ethnic prejudice play in JFK's and the Kennedy family's lives?

3. JFK was a sickly child who almost succumbed on several occasions. How did JFK's poor health during his childhood influence his life? How did it influence his general outlook on life and politics?

4. JFK was the second child of Joseph and Rose Kennedy. The Kennedy's were a very large and tight-knit family. What was the influence of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, and the Kennedy clan, on JFK's life? How would you define the influence of your parent(s) and family on your life?

5. As a young man, JFK traveled through Europe when it was on the brink of World War II. How did his experiences in war-ready Europe influence JFK's political views?

6. Joseph Kennedy, Jr., the older brother of JFK, was killed in flying mission during World War II. How did the death of Joseph alter the future of JFK?

7. How did JFK's war experiences, especially his experience on the ship PT109, shape his character?

8. How was the 1960 presidential campaign a Kennedy "family affair?"

9. The 1960 presidential campaign was the first political campaign in which the new medium of television played a pivotal role. How did television influence the campaign, and the election? Might the results have been different without the influence of television?

10. JFK's youth and young family were part of the "Kennedy mystique." How did this image of youth, hope and vigor change the political tide of America? Why was America so ready for this change? How can JFK and his young family be seen as representatives of the World War II generation?

11. JFK's place in American history was solidified by the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. What was the Crisis about? How did Kennedy handle the dangerous situation? What were the other possible outcomes?

12. What is JFK's greatest contribution, or legacy, to the United States?

1. Research the Cuban Missile Crisis and write an essay detailing the actions of President Kennedy and their results. In your essay, explore the other possibilities of the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

2. Create a 1960 presidential campaign poster for JFK. Which of his qualities would you emphasize to the voters?

3. Create a timeline that chronicles JFK's lifetime and the events of the 20th century. How are they entwined? Was JFK a product of the 20th century? Which events influenced JFK, and which events did JFK influence?

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