When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

This Happened

This Happened—November 22: JFK Assassination, Frozen In Time

An entire generation of Americans would ask: "Where were you when JFK was killed?" It was November 22, 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade rolled through Dallas, Texas.

Sign up to receive This Happened straight to your inbox each day!

How was John F. Kennedy assassinated?

John F. Kennedy was visiting Dallas, Texas on a political visit to strengthen ties within the local Democratic party. Alongside his wife Jackie Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and his wife Nellie Connally, the 35th U.S. president rode through the streets of Dallas in his motorcade, waving back at the locals as they greeted him with cheers and applause.

As the convertible made its way through Dealey plaza, three shots rang out. Two bullets struck the president in the head and chest, while a third struck Governor Connally. JFK was pronounced dead 30 minutes later.

Who killed John F. Kennedy?

Seventy minutes after the shooting, former U.S. Marine Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested and charged with killing the president, as well as a Dallas police officer.

Oswald was killed in police custody two days later. A major investigation several years later, the Warren Commission, determined that Oswald had acted alone. The motives behind Kennedy’s assassination remain a mystery to this day, but various conspiracy theories have been suggested, including that the Cuban government, the mafia underworld or insiders in the U.S. government were behind the killing.

What happened after John F. Kennedy died?

Connally would recover in the aftermath, and Lyndon B. Johnson immediately became the 36th president of the United States. John F. Kennedy was the fourth U.S. president to be assassinated in office, and the eighth to ever die in office.

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Geopolitics

D.C. Or Beijing? Two High-Stakes Trips — And Taiwan's Divided Future On The Line

Two presidents of Taiwan, the current serving president, Tsai Ing-wen, and her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou from the opposition Kuomintang party, are traveling in opposite directions these days. Taiwan must choose whom to follow.

Photo of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan, is traveling to the United States today. Not on an official trip because Taiwan is not a state recognized by Washington, but in transit, en route to Central America, a strategy that allows her to pass through New York and California.

Ma Ying-jeou, a former president of Taiwan, arrived yesterday in Shanghai: he is making a 12-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese authorities at a time of high tension between China and the United States, particularly over the fate of Taiwan.

It would be difficult to make these two trips more contrasting, as both have the merit of summarizing at a glance the decisive political battle that is coming. Presidential and legislative elections will be held in January 2024 in Taiwan, which could well determine Beijing's attitude towards the island that China claims by all means, including force.

Keep reading...Show less

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

The latest