Power and Leadership Term Paper

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John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev

This paper will begin by overviewing each of these powerful leaders. Following these overviews, the leadership styles will then be compared and contrasted. In so doing, a clearer understanding will be developed of how two very different leaders could so effectively lead the two most powerful nations, during one of the most intense times in world history.

Following World War II, the world felt the intensifying of the Cold War. Although the primary players were the United States and Russia, countries around the globe sat on the edge of their seats, waiting for the tension to rupture and a third World War to erupt. Two leaders had the fate of the world in their hands, during this era of world history, Nikita Khrushchev and John F. Kennedy.

This paper will begin by overviewing each of these powerful leaders. Following these overviews, the leadership styles will then be compared and contrasted. In so doing, a clearer understanding will be developed of how two very different leaders could so effectively lead the two most powerful nations, during one of the most intense times in world history.

Overview of John F. Kennedy:

John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, leading the nation from 1961 until his assassination on November 22nd, 1963. He was the youngest person ever to have been elected as President, and the youngest President to die. He is often seen as an American martyr ("John F. Kennedy," 2005).

Kennedy is known for his strong domestic and foreign policies. Although most of his civil rights policies didn't come into full fruition until his successor, Lyndon Johnson, came into office, due to his untimely death, Kennedy was an innovator both within and outside of America's borders. He was a visionary that had a the dedication needed to bring these visions to life. His leadership skills would be honed when a young Kennedy was finally accepted into the U.S. Navy, in 1941, where he earned the rank of lieutenant and commanded a patrol torpedo boat, or PT boat ("John F. Kennedy," 2005).

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In 1943, Kennedy's leadership skills would be demonstrated, 18 years prior to his holding office and leading a nation in a tumultuous time. Kennedy's boat, the PT-109 was rammed while involved in a military raid near the Solomon Islands. Although Kennedy was thrown across the deck and injured his back, which had previously plagued him with problems, he was able to tow a wounded man three miles across the ocean to an island. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, with the following citation that sums up his exemplary leadership. "During the following 6 days, (Kennedy) succeeded in getting his crew ashore, and after swimming many hours attempting to secure aid and food, finally effected the rescue of the men. His courage, endurance and excellent leadership contributed to the saving of several lives and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service" (as cited in "John F. Kennedy," 2005).

Following World War II, Kennedy began his career in politics. In 1946, Kennedy won the vacated seat of Representative James M. Curley, by a large margin. He was reelected to this position twice, but his voting record was often contradictory to President Harry Truman, as well as divergent from the Democratic Party as a whole ("John F. Kennedy," 2005). This voting record was a demonstrative example of a Kennedy who would go on to prove that he was a man unto himself, as a future President.

In 1952, Kennedy moved his political career one step forward with the defeat of Republican incumbent Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. For Senator of Massachusetts. His bid for the position of Vice President nomination at the Democratic National Convention, in 1956, although turned down, also bolstered his career. He also adroitly handled the Civil Rights Act of 1957 by voting for final passage, but also earlier had voted for the jury trial amendment which would have made the Act quite ineffective….....

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