Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Robert F. Kennedy

How Robert F. Kennedy built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) was a significant figure in American politics and law. He served as the 64th United States Attorney General from 1961 to 1964 and as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. At the time of his death, he was a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. A prominent member of the Democratic Party alongside his brothers John and Ted, RFK is remembered as an icon of modern American liberalism.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1918: Migratory Bird Treaty Act

In 1961, as attorney general, Kennedy targeted prominent Mafia leaders like Carlos Marcello and Joey Aiuppa. Aiuppa was convicted of violating of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

1946: Active in John F. Kennedy's Campaign

Throughout 1946, Robert Kennedy became active in his brother John's campaign for the U.S. House seat. Kennedy joined the campaign full-time after his naval discharge.

June 1948: Reported on the Berlin Blockade

In June 1948, Robert Kennedy reported on the Berlin Blockade for The Boston Post. He provided a first-hand account of the experience.

September 1951: Covered Treaty of Peace with Japan

In September 1951, a few months after graduating from law school, Robert Kennedy covered the convention that concluded the Treaty of Peace with Japan for The Boston Post.

1951: Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar

In 1951, Robert Kennedy was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and started working as a lawyer in the Internal Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

February 1952: Transferred to Criminal Division

In February 1952, Robert Kennedy was transferred to the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice to help prepare fraud cases against former officials.

June 6, 1952: Resigned to Manage John F. Kennedy's Senate Campaign

On June 6, 1952, Robert Kennedy resigned from his position in the Department of Justice to manage his brother John's U.S. Senate campaign in Massachusetts.

December 1952: Appointed Assistant Counsel

In December 1952, Robert Kennedy was appointed as one of 15 assistant counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations by Senator Joseph McCarthy.

1952: Managed John F. Kennedy's Senate Campaign

In 1952, Robert Kennedy resigned from the Justice Department to manage his brother John's successful campaign for the U.S. Senate, marking a significant step in his involvement in national politics.

July 1953: Resigned from Subcommittee

In July 1953, Robert Kennedy resigned from his position as assistant counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

February 1954: Rejoined Senate Committee Staff

In February 1954, Robert Kennedy rejoined the Senate committee staff as chief counsel for the Democratic minority. During this time, he was involved in investigating Annie Lee Moss.

1954: Mention of the 1954 Decision

Robert Kennedy mentioned the 1954 decision, highlighting that it is the law and the Department of Justice will act if the orders of the court are circumvented.

January 1955: Became Chief Counsel

In January 1955, after Democrats gained a Senate majority, Robert Kennedy became chief counsel. He played a key role in the televised Army-McCarthy hearings of 1954.

1956: Massachusetts Delegate at Democratic National Convention

In 1956, Robert Kennedy was a Massachusetts delegate at the Democratic National Convention. Kennedy joined in helping JFK get the vice-presidential nomination.

1956: Aide to Adlai Stevenson II

In 1956, Robert Kennedy worked as an aide to Adlai Stevenson II during the presidential election. Kennedy acknowledged he had voted for Dwight D. Eisenhower.

1957: Chief Counsel to McClellan Committee

From 1957 to 1959, Robert Kennedy served as the chief counsel to the U.S. Senate's Select Committee on Improper Activities in Labor and Management (McClellan committee).

1957: Chief Counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee

In 1957, Robert Kennedy became the chief counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee, gaining national attention for challenging Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa.

September 1959: Kennedy Leaves McClellan Committee

In September 1959, Robert F. Kennedy departed from the McClellan Committee to manage his brother's presidential campaign. During his time, he faced criticism for his anger and doubts regarding those invoking the Fifth Amendment, while Senators Goldwater and Mundt accused the "Kennedy boys" of hijacking the committee to target Hoffa and the Teamsters.

1959: Continued Role as Chief Counsel

From 1957 to 1959, Robert Kennedy continued his role as the chief counsel to the McClellan committee, investigating labor racketeering and gaining prominence.

1959: Resignation from Senate Labor Rackets Committee

In 1959, Robert Kennedy resigned from the Senate Labor Rackets Committee. Following this, he focused on managing his brother's presidential campaign.

1960: Managed John F. Kennedy's Presidential Campaign

In 1960, Robert Kennedy managed his brother John's successful campaign in the presidential election. Later, he was appointed as the United States Attorney General.

1960: Appointment as U.S. Attorney General

In 1960, after the presidential election, John F. Kennedy appointed his brother, Robert Kennedy, as U.S. Attorney General. This decision sparked controversy due to concerns of nepotism and Robert's lack of legal experience, despite his brother's insistence.

January 1961: Appointment as Attorney General

In January 1961, Robert F. Kennedy was appointed as the 64th United States Attorney General. This marked a significant milestone in his career, positioning him as a key figure in American politics.

January 21, 1961: Kennedy's Nomination Approved by the Senate

On January 21, 1961, Robert Kennedy's nomination as Attorney General was approved by the full Senate via a division vote after receiving unanimous approval from the Judiciary Committee. This followed a hearing where he addressed concerns about his lack of legal experience.

May 6, 1961: Kennedy's Commitment to Civil Rights

On May 6, 1961, Robert Kennedy articulated the administration's commitment to civil rights during a speech at the University of Georgia School of Law.

May 1961: Kennedy Chairs President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime

In May 1961, Robert Kennedy was appointed chairman of the President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime (PCJD).

May 29, 1961: Kennedy Petitions ICC to Ban Segregation

On May 29, 1961, Robert Kennedy petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to issue regulations banning segregation in bus carriers and terminals serving interstate travel.

June 1961: Role in Berlin Crisis and Vienna Summit

In June 1961, Robert Kennedy played a crucial role in the events surrounding the Berlin Crisis, operating as a backchannel connection to Soviet GRU officer Georgi Bolshakov. This connection helped the U.S. set up the Vienna Summit with the Soviets.

July 7, 1961: RFK Comments on Hoffa's Reelection

On July 7, 1961, following Jimmy Hoffa's reelection to the Teamsters presidency, Robert F. Kennedy told reporters that the government's case against Hoffa remained unchanged.

September 1961: Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Offenses Control Act Signed

In September 1961, the Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Offenses Control Act, aimed at addressing juvenile delinquency through comprehensive services and community empowerment, was signed into law.

November 1961: Operation Mongoose

In November 1961, Robert Kennedy served as the president's personal representative in Operation Mongoose, a covert program established after the Bay of Pigs Invasion to incite revolution in Cuba and lead to Castro's downfall.

December 1961: Expansion of the Civil Rights Division

In December 1961, Robert Kennedy expanded the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division by 60 percent.

1961: Postponement of Japan Visit

In 1961, after President Kennedy promised a reciprocal visit to Japan in 1962, the decision to resume atmospheric nuclear testing forced him to postpone such a visit.

1961: Kennedy Pursues Organized Crime as Attorney General

In 1961, as Attorney General, Robert Kennedy launched a crusade against organized crime, establishing a coordinated program involving federal law enforcement agencies. He also worked to pass anti-racketeering legislation, including the Wire Act, Travel Act, and Interstate Transportation of Paraphernalia Act to prohibit interstate gambling.

February 1962: Visit to Tokyo

In February 1962, Robert Kennedy arrived in Tokyo during a sensitive time in U.S.-Japan relations. He engaged in an impromptu debate with a radical Marxist student activist during a nationally televised speech at Waseda University, earning praise from the Japanese media.

September 1962: Kennedy Sends Marshals to University of Mississippi

In September 1962, Robert Kennedy sent U.S. Marshals, Border Patrol agents, and deputized federal prison guards to the University of Mississippi to enforce a federal court order allowing James Meredith, the institution's first African American student, to be admitted.

October 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis Role

During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, Robert Kennedy played a vital role in securing a blockade and averting a full military engagement between the United States and the Soviet Union. He secretly met with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin on October 27 and reached an understanding: the Soviet Union would withdraw their missiles from Cuba in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade Cuba and the removal of Jupiter MRBMs in Turkey. President Kennedy expressed his gratitude by saying, "Thank God for Bobby."

1962: Hoffa's Claim of Kennedy's Ejection

In 1962, it was leaked that Jimmy Hoffa claimed to a Teamster local that Robert Kennedy had been "bodily" removed from his office, a statement confirmed by a Teamster press agent.

December 1963: Expansion of the Civil Rights Division

In December 1963, Robert Kennedy expanded the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division by 60 percent.

1963: Kennedy's Remarks from 1963

In 1963, Kennedy spoke against including Communists in coalition governments, though Kennedy's subject was Germany, not Vietnam

March 4, 1964: Hoffa Convicted of Bribery

On March 4, 1964, Jimmy Hoffa was convicted in Chattanooga, Tennessee, of attempted bribery of a grand juror during his 1962 conspiracy trial in Nashville. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

April 1964: Gallup Poll on Vice-Presidential Choice

In April 1964, a Gallup poll reported Robert Kennedy as the vice-presidential choice of 47 percent of Democratic voters. Adlai Stevenson and Hubert Humphrey followed with 18 and 10 percent, respectively.

June 1964: Offer to be Ambassador to South Vietnam

In June 1964, Robert Kennedy offered to succeed Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. as U.S. ambassador to South Vietnam, but President Johnson rejected the idea.

July 1964: Johnson's statement ruling out cabinet members

In July 1964, President Johnson issued an official statement ruling out all of his current cabinet members, including Robert Kennedy, as potential running mates.

July 26, 1964: Hoffa Convicted of Conspiracy and Fraud

On July 26, 1964, while on bail, Jimmy Hoffa was convicted in a second trial in Chicago, on one count of conspiracy and three counts of mail and wire fraud for improper use of the Teamsters' pension fund, and sentenced to five years in prison.

August 25, 1964: Announcement of Senate Candidacy

On August 25, 1964, Robert Kennedy announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate representing New York. He resigned as attorney general on September 2.

September 1964: End of Attorney General Tenure

In September 1964, Robert F. Kennedy concluded his tenure as the United States Attorney General. Following this, he pursued other political opportunities, including running for U.S. Senate.

September 1964: Stepping Down as Attorney General

In September 1964, Robert Kennedy stepped down as Attorney General. The New York Times praised him for raising the standards of the position, a contrast to their initial criticism.

1964: Collaboration on the Civil Rights Act of 1964

In 1964, Robert F. Kennedy collaborated with Presidents Kennedy and Johnson to create the Civil Rights Act of 1964, aiming to end Jim Crow laws. He worked with Senator Hubert Humphrey and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen, securing a deal in May to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Senate to end debate. Kennedy also cautioned against overlooking racial tensions in the North, advocating for local efforts to address racial issues.

1964: Run for U.S. Senate from New York

In 1964, Robert Kennedy ran for the U.S. Senate from New York, overcoming criticism and winning the election. He later opposed the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and sponsored legislation for poverty reduction.

1964: Reviewing the Economic Opportunity Act

In 1967, Kennedy served on the Senate committee to review the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

January 1965: Election as U.S. Senator from New York

In January 1965, Robert F. Kennedy began his term as a U.S. Senator from New York. This role allowed him to further his political career and advocate for his policy agenda.

February 1965: Bothered by Bombing of North Vietnam

In February 1965, Robert F. Kennedy was bothered by the beginning of the bombing of North Vietnam, but he did not want to appear antagonistic toward President Johnson's agenda at the time.

May 1965: Kennedy Co-sponsors S.1592

In May 1965, Robert F. Kennedy co-sponsored S.1592, a bill proposed by President Johnson and sponsored by Senator Thomas J. Dodd, aimed at placing federal restrictions on mail-order gun sales. Kennedy argued that the bill would save lives and prevent grief by keeping deadly weapons away from those who should not have them.

June 1965: Kennedy Speech on Nuclear Proliferation

In June 1965, Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech in the Senate on nuclear proliferation, drawing a large audience. This event highlighted his growing influence but also underscored his transition from a presidential advisor to a senator among many.

December 1965: Kennedy Advised Ceasefire

In December 1965, Robert F. Kennedy advised Defense Secretary Robert McNamara to counsel President Johnson to declare a ceasefire in Vietnam, a bombing pause over North Vietnam, and to consider Algeria as a mediator for peace talks.

1965: Criticism of Dominican Republic Intervention

In 1965, Robert F. Kennedy criticized U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic, arguing that President Johnson had abandoned the reform aims of President Kennedy's Alliance for Progress.

1965: Kennedy's Senate Strategy

In 1965, during his first year as a senator, Kennedy employed an "amendments-only" strategy. He successfully added an amendment to the Appalachian Regional Development Act to include 13 low-income New York counties. He also proposed funding for drug treatment and social security reform.

January 31, 1966: Kennedy's Speech on the Senate Floor

On January 31, 1966, Kennedy said in a speech on the Senate floor: "If we regard bombing as the answer in Vietnam, we are headed straight for disaster."

February 8, 1966: Kennedy Urges No First Use of Nuclear Weapons

On February 8, 1966, Kennedy urged the United States to pledge that it would not be the first country to use nuclear weapons against countries that did not have them, highlighting similar pledges or indications from China and the Soviet Union.

February 1966: Kennedy Releases Peace Plan

In February 1966, Robert F. Kennedy released a peace plan calling for preserving South Vietnam while allowing the National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) to join a coalition government in Saigon. This was seen as a break with President Johnson's policies.

February 23, 1966: Kennedy Flies with Johnson to New York

On February 23, 1966, Kennedy flew with Johnson on Air Force One to New York to dispel reports of a rift between them over Vietnam, despite their differing views on the conflict.

March 1966: Kennedy Investigates Farm Workers' Rights in Delano

In March 1966, Robert F. Kennedy traveled to Delano, California, to investigate the conditions of farm workers at the request of Walter Reuther. His presence at the third hearing on legislation to include farm workers under the National Labor Relations Act brought media attention to the issue.

April 1966: Meeting with Philip Heymann Regarding Vietnam POWs

In April 1966, Robert F. Kennedy met privately with Philip Heymann of the State Department to discuss securing the release of American prisoners of war in Vietnam. Kennedy pushed for the Johnson administration to take more action, but Heymann emphasized that the administration prioritized avoiding negotiations with the Viet Cong over the prisoners' freedom.

June 1966: Kennedy Visits Apartheid-Era South Africa

In June 1966, Robert F. Kennedy, along with his wife Ethel, visited apartheid-era South Africa, a tour met with international praise. Kennedy spoke against the oppression of the native population and was welcomed by the black population.

1966: Left-Wing Algerian Government

In 1965-1966, The left-wing Algerian government indicated it was willing to serve as a conduit for peace talks, but most of Johnson's advisers were leery of the Algerian offer.

1966: Amendment to the Economic Opportunity Act

In 1966, Kennedy proposed an amendment to the Economic Opportunity Act to encourage private industry through tax breaks to locate in poverty-stricken areas, aiming to create jobs for the unemployed.

1966: Legislative Action and Resistance

In 1966, Kennedy took more direct legislative action as a senator, but encountered increasing resistance from the Johnson administration, despite supporting Johnson's "Great Society" program.

1966: Meeting with Pope Paul VI Regarding South Africa

In 1966, Robert F. Kennedy visited Pope Paul VI and urged him to address the poverty of South Africa's black population.

March 7, 1967: Hoffa Begins Prison Sentence

On March 7, 1967, after unsuccessfully appealing his 1964 convictions, Jimmy Hoffa began serving his aggregate prison sentence of 13 years at the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary in Pennsylvania.

April 1967: Kennedy Visits Mississippi Delta

In April 1967, Robert F. Kennedy visited the Mississippi Delta as part of the Senate committee reviewing "War on Poverty" programs. Witnessing the poverty and starvation deeply moved him, influencing his views and actions.

September 1967: Johnson Administration Attacks Kennedy's Housing Proposal

In September 1967, Robert B. Semple Jr. reported that the Johnson administration was preparing "a concerted attack" on Robert F. Kennedy's proposal to build more and better low-cost housing in the slums through private enterprise.

1967: Increased Resistance from Johnson Administration

In 1967, Kennedy continued to face increasing resistance from the Johnson administration regarding his legislative actions, even with his support of the President's "Great Society" program.

1967: Urging Pope Paul VI to Adapt Liberal Rhetoric

In 1967, Robert F. Kennedy asked Pope Paul VI to adopt more liberal rhetoric and extend the Church's appeal to Hispanics and other nationalities.

1967: Kennedy's Vietnam Discussions and Policy Disagreements

In 1967, Robert F. Kennedy traveled to Europe to discuss Vietnam with leaders, leading to President Johnson believing Kennedy was undermining his authority. On March 2, 1967, Kennedy outlined a three-point plan to end the war, which was rejected. On November 26, 1967, he publicly contrasted the Johnson administration's Vietnam policies with those of his brother, marking his first time distinguishing between the two administrations' approaches to the war.

February 8, 1968: Kennedy Critiques Saigon Government Corruption in Chicago Address

On February 8, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy delivered an address in Chicago where he critiqued Saigon "government corruption" and disagreed with the Johnson administration's view on the Vietnam war determining Asia's future.

February 1968: Kennedy Visits Eastern Kentucky

In February 1968, Robert F. Kennedy visited eastern Kentucky as a member of the Senate committee reviewing the effectiveness of "War on Poverty" programs.

May 1968: Kennedy Defends Gun Control Bill in Oregon

During a May 1968 campaign stop in Roseburg, Oregon, Robert F. Kennedy defended the gun control bill, stating it would keep firearms away from people who shouldn't have them, like the very young, criminals and the insane, according to reports at the time.

1968: Kennedy Decides to Challenge Johnson for the Presidency

In 1968, Robert Kennedy visited César Chávez in Delano, California, and decided to challenge Johnson for the presidency. He sought to have Eugene McCarthy withdraw from the race. Ted Kennedy opposed his brother's decision, advising him to wait until 1972.

1968: Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Founded

In 1968, The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights was founded. The center includes an international award program to recognize human rights activists.

1968: Kennedy's Decision to Seek the Presidency

In 1968, after initially stating he wouldn't run, Robert F. Kennedy reconsidered seeking the presidency due to factors like the Tet Offensive and the Kerner Commission report on racial unrest, which influenced his decision to challenge Johnson.

1969: Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps Launched

In 1969, The Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps was launched by a small group of private citizens. This Massachusetts-based organization helps abused and neglected children each year.

1974: Community Development Corporations

By 1974, as a result of Kennedy's initiatives, there were 34 federally funded and 75 privately funded community development corporations.

2019: Speech on the Death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Selected for Preservation

In 2019, Kennedy's "Speech on the Death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." from April 4, 1968, was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.