Robert Kennedy and His Times

Robert Kennedy and His Times. The book, written by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., is a biography of Robert F. Kennedy, a prominent figure in American politics and a member of the Kennedy family. It explores his life, from his early days to his tragic death, and delves into his relationships with notable figures such as John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Martin Luther King Jr.. The biography also examines his involvement in significant events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Civil Rights Movement.

Early Life and Education

Robert F. Kennedy was born on November 20, 1925, in Brookline, Massachusetts, to Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Kennedy. He was the seventh of nine children, and his siblings included John F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Kennedy attended Milton Academy and later enrolled in Harvard University, where he studied international relations and was influenced by professors such as Carl Friedrich and William Yandell Elliott. During his time at Harvard, Kennedy was also a member of the Hasty Pudding Club and developed friendships with individuals like John Kenneth Galbraith and George Plimpton.

Career in Politics

Kennedy's entry into politics began with his work on his brother John F. Kennedy's 1946 congressional campaign and later on his 1952 Senate campaign. He also worked as a staff member for the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Joseph McCarthy, and was involved in the Army-McCarthy hearings. In the 1960 presidential election, Kennedy played a crucial role in his brother's campaign, serving as the campaign manager and helping to secure the Democratic Party nomination. After the election, Kennedy was appointed as the Attorney General of the United States by his brother, making him the youngest person to hold the position at the time.

Attorney General of the United States

As Attorney General of the United States, Kennedy focused on issues such as organized crime, civil rights, and corruption. He worked closely with J. Edgar Hoover and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to tackle Mafia leaders like Sam Giancana and John Roselli. Kennedy also played a key role in the University of Alabama integration crisis, where he supported the enrollment of Vivian Malone and James Hood, and in the Birmingham Campaign, led by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Additionally, Kennedy was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis, working with his brother and other advisors, including McGeorge Bundy and Adlai Stevenson, to navigate the crisis.

Presidential Campaign and Assassination

In 1968, Kennedy decided to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, competing against candidates like Eugene McCarthy and Hubert Humphrey. His campaign focused on issues such as poverty, racism, and the Vietnam War, and he gained support from various groups, including labor unions and student activists. Kennedy won several primary elections, including those in California, New Hampshire, and Indiana, but his campaign was cut short when he was assassinated on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California, by Sirhan Sirhan. The event shocked the nation and led to widespread mourning, with tributes from figures like Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Pope Paul VI.

Legacy and Impact

Kennedy's legacy continues to be felt in American politics and beyond. He is remembered for his commitment to social justice and his efforts to address issues like poverty and racism. The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights were established in his honor, and he has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, including Emilio Estevez's Bobby. Kennedy's influence can also be seen in the work of politicians like Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Bernie Sanders, who have cited him as an inspiration. Furthermore, his relationships with international leaders, such as Pierre Trudeau and Harold Wilson, have had a lasting impact on foreign policy and diplomacy.

Personal Life and Family

Kennedy was married to Ethel Skakel Kennedy, and they had eleven children together, including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Joseph P. Kennedy II, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. He was also close to his siblings, particularly John F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy, and was a frequent visitor to the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Kennedy's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his brother John F. Kennedy and his own assassination. Despite these challenges, Kennedy remained committed to his family and his values, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by his loved ones and admirers around the world, including Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Elie Wiesel. Category:Biographies