John F. Kennedy, or JFK as he was often referred to, was the 35th American President and was in office from 1961 to 1963. He was the only Roman Catholic president and also the youngest and was sworn in at the age of 43. Kennedy’s time in the White House ended prematurely due to his tragic assassination in November 1963.
Kennedy is remembered for his calm and levelheaded leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis and for his founding of the Peace Corps. He also supported equal rights for African Americans and equal pay for women.
Ronald Reagan
The 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, was in office from 1981 to 1989. Many people remember him as the man who instituted a new economic policy nicknamed Reaganomics. The plan prescribed allocating more funds to the military, less for social programs, extensive tax cuts and deregulation of domestic markets.
He is also known as the president who helped bring about the end of the Cold War and for the Iran-Contra scandal which took place on his watch. One of the most iconic moments of his presidency took place at the Berlin Wall, where he famously told Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev to “Tear down this wall!”
Reagan’s Assassination Attempt
John Hinckley Jr. made an attempt on President Ronald Reagan’s life on March 30th, 1981. He took several shots at the president and tried to end his life. Strangely enough, Hinckley thought the act would impress young actress Jodie Foster.
One of the bullets hit Reagan in the chest but luckily, he survived. Hinckley made no attempt to flee and was arrested immediately.
Kennedy’s Assassination
Lee Harvey Oswald fired two shots at President Kennedy’s presidential motorcade on November 22nd, 1963 in Dealey Plaza in Dallas. Both shots hit Kennedy and although he was rushed to the hospital, the president didn’t recover.
Oswald was swiftly apprehended but never stood trial because while being transferred, he was shot and killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby.
Thomas Jefferson
One of the most renowned founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, was the 2nd American vice president and the 3rd American president from 1801 to 1809. Jefferson is famous for his pivotal role in writing the Declaration of Independence and for signing the Louisiana Purchase with France, which almost doubled the size of the nation.
He was a strong supporter of freedom, equality, and justice for all.