Are you a fan of U.S. presidential history? Do you know all about President John F. Kennedy, his administration and his family? Take this How Stuff Works quiz to find out how much you really know about one of the greatest presidents of all time.
John F. Kennedy, affectionately called JFK, remains one of the most popular presidents in U.S. history. More than that, polls have named him one of the most admired individuals in the world, after Gandhi and Mother Teresa. Yet, as selfless as JFK is known to have been - he is the only U.S. president to have been awarded a Purple Heart - his lifetime and his history have also been plagued by rumors that he had frequent extramarital affairs and an overuse of medications for multiple medical conditions that may have clouded his judgement during more than one important occasion. Still, history remembers JFK as a staunch supporter of human rights and fair domestic and international foreign policies. Most history buffs find it a shame that JFK did not live long enough to complete his presidency; he may have changed the future in more ways than he already did.
Let's get started to find out if you can ace this quiz about JFK.
JFK was the ____ president.
JFK was the 35th president of the US. He served from January 1961 to November 1963.
What is JFK's middle name?
JFK's middle name is Fitzgerald. He got the name from his maternal grandfather, whose last name was Fitzgerald.
In what year was JFK born?
JFK was born May 29, 1917. He was born at home in Brookline, Massachusetts.
JFK was assassinated in what city?
JFK was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the crime.
Who was JFK married to?
JFK married Jacqueline Bouvier. Jackie was the daughter of a stockbroker.
What college did JFK attend?
JFK was a graduate of Harvard. He majored in government.
Before he was president, what office did JFK hold?
JFK was a U.S. senator before he was president. He served as a senator from 1953-1960.
Who was accused of killing JFK?
Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested on suspicion of killing JFK. He insisted he was innocent, however, and he was killed by Jack Ruby.
What disease did JFK have?
JFK had Addison's disease. Addison's is an endocrine disorder.
In what branch of the military did JFK serve?
JFK served in the Naval Reserve. He retired from the Navy in 1945.
What is JFK's daughter's name?
JFK's daughter's name is Caroline. She is the only surviving member of JFK's immediate family.
How did JFK die?
JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the crime.
JFK is rumored to have had an affair with what iconic Hollywood starlet?
JFK is rumored to have had an affair with Marilyn Monroe. She is not, however, the only woman he was rumored to have had an affair with.
In what year did JFK begin his presidency?
JFK's presidency began on January 20, 1961. He did not serve one complete term.
Who was JFK's vice president?
Lyndon B. Johnson was JFK's vice president. He was sworn in as president upon JFK's death.
JFK is the author of what book?
JFK authored Profiles in Courage. The book won a Pulitzer Prize.
JFK was the first ________ president.
JFK was the first Catholic president. He is also as of 2018 the only Catholic president.
Who was the youngest of JFK's siblings?
Ted Kennedy was the youngest Kennedy. Ted was a Massachusetts senator for more than 40 years.
How old was JFK when he entered the office of the president?
JFK was only 43 when he entered office. He remains the youngest to ever be elected president.
To what party did JFK belong?
JFK was a member of the Democratic party. JFK's older brother, Joe, was actually supposed to become president.
How many children did JFK and Jackie have?
JFK and Jackie had four children. Only two children, however, lived.
Where is JFK buried?
JFK is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He was entombed on November 25, 1963.
What military rank did JFK hold?
JFK was a lieutenant in the US Navy. He became a lieutenant on October 10, 1942.
In what war did JFK serve?
JFK served in WWII. He commanded PT boats.
What is the memorial at JFK's grave called?
The John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame is the memorial at JFK's gravesite. The permanent memorial opened in 1967.
Who did JFK defeat to become president?
JFK defeated Republican Richard Nixon to become president. Nixon would become president in 1969.
What state of geopolitical tension was JFK immersed in during his presidency?
JFK was president at the height of the Cold War. The Cold War is thought to have ended in 1989 when Communism in Europe was defeated.
What failed invasion of Cuba did JFK approve?
JFK approved the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion. The invasion was undertaken by the CIA.
What volunteer program did JFK establish?
JFK established the Peace Corps via Executive Order. He signed the order on March 1, 1961.
What was the name of JFK's policy initiatives?
JFK's policies were termed the New Frontier. He first used the term at his 1960 acceptance speech.
What was JFK's national heritage?
The Kennedys were Irish immigrants. All four of JFK's grandparents were Irish.
How many siblings did JFK have?
JFK had eight siblings. He was the second of nine children.
Which of JFK's siblings served as Attorney General during his administration?
Robert F. Kennedy served as Attorney General during JFK's presidency. Robert was assassinated in June 1968.
What term was used to describe Kennedy, his presidency and his family?
The term Camelot was used to describe Kennedy, his presidency and his family. Jackie Kennedy was the first to use the term.
In what state was JFK born?
JFK was born and raised in Massachusetts. He was born on May 29, 1917.
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