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 prominent American politician and lawyer, serving as the 64th U.S. Attorney General (1961-1964) and a U.S. Senator from New York (1965-1968). A leading figure in the Democratic Party and an icon of modern American liberalism, he was assassinated in June 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Like his brothers John and Ted, RFK was a significant force in American politics.
1946: Active in John F. Kennedy's Campaign
Throughout 1946, Robert Kennedy became actively involved in his brother John's campaign for the U.S. House seat, joining full-time after his naval discharge.
June 1948: Reported on Berlin Blockade
In June 1948, Robert Kennedy reported on the Berlin Blockade for The Boston Post, providing first-hand accounts of the events.
1951: Admitted to Massachusetts Bar
In 1951, Robert Kennedy was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and began working at 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 Justice Department to help prepare fraud cases.
June 6, 1952: Resigned to manage John's Senate Campaign
On June 6, 1952, Robert Kennedy resigned from the Justice Department to manage his brother John's U.S. Senate campaign in Massachusetts.
December 1952: Appointed Assistant Counsel to McCarthy Committee
In December 1952, Robert Kennedy was appointed as an assistant counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations by Joseph McCarthy.
1952: Managed John F. Kennedy's Senate Campaign
In 1952, Robert Kennedy managed his brother John's successful campaign for the U.S. Senate, marking his entry into campaign management and contributing to his brother's political career.
July 1953: Resigned from McCarthy Committee
In July 1953, Robert Kennedy resigned from the McCarthy Committee, feeling disillusioned with McCarthy's methods.
February 1954: Rejoined Senate Committee Staff
In February 1954, Robert Kennedy rejoined the Senate committee staff as chief counsel for the Democratic minority.
January 1955: Became Chief Counsel
In January 1955, Robert Kennedy became chief counsel of the Senate committee after Democrats gained a Senate majority.
1956: Massachusetts Delegate
In 1956, Robert Kennedy was a Massachusetts delegate at the Democratic National Convention, supporting his brother John.
1956: Aide to Adlai Stevenson II
In 1956, Robert Kennedy worked as an aide to Adlai Stevenson II during the presidential general election.
1957: Chief Counsel to McClellan Committee
From 1957, Robert Kennedy served as the chief counsel to the U.S. Senate's Select Committee on Improper Activities in Labor and Management.
1957: Chief Counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee
In 1957, Robert Kennedy became the chief counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee, where he gained national attention for challenging Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa.
September 1959: Kennedy leaves McClellan Committee
In September 1959, Kennedy left the McClellan Committee to manage his brother's presidential campaign.
1959: Resigned from Senate Labor Rackets Committee
In 1959, Robert Kennedy resigned from the Senate Labor Rackets Committee to manage his brother's presidential campaign.
1959: End of Service as Chief Counsel
In 1959, Robert Kennedy's service as the chief counsel to the U.S. Senate's Select Committee on Improper Activities in Labor and Management came to an end.
1960: Appointment as U.S. Attorney General
In 1960, John F. Kennedy appointed Robert Kennedy as U.S. Attorney General, causing controversy due to Robert's inexperience and perceived nepotism.
1960: Managed John F. Kennedy's Presidential Campaign
In 1960, Robert Kennedy managed his brother John's successful campaign in the presidential election, leading to John's victory and his own appointment as Attorney General.
January 1961: Appointed as Attorney General
In January 1961, Robert F. Kennedy was appointed as the 64th United States Attorney General, beginning his service in John F. Kennedy's administration.
January 21, 1961: Confirmation as Attorney General
On January 21, 1961, Robert Kennedy's nomination as Attorney General was approved by the full Senate despite concerns about his lack of legal experience.
May 6, 1961: Civil Rights Speech at University of Georgia
On May 6, 1961, Kennedy delivered a speech at the University of Georgia School of Law, expressing the administration's commitment to civil rights.
May 1961: Chairman of President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency
In May 1961, Kennedy was named chairman of the President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime (PCJD).
May 29, 1961: Petition to Interstate Commerce Commission
On May 29, 1961, Kennedy petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to issue regulations banning segregation.
June 1961: Vienna Summit Setup
In June 1961, Robert Kennedy played a crucial role in setting up the Vienna Summit through a backchannel connection to Soviet GRU officer Georgi Bolshakov.
July 7, 1961: Response to Hoffa's reelection
On July 7, 1961, after Jimmy Hoffa's reelection, RFK told reporters that the government's case against Hoffa remained unchanged.
September 1961: Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Offenses Control Act signed into law
In September 1961, the Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Offenses Control Act was signed into law.
November 1961: Involvement in Operation Mongoose
In November 1961, Robert Kennedy served as President Kennedy's personal representative in Operation Mongoose, a covert program aimed at inciting revolution in Cuba.
December 1961: Expansion of the Civil Rights Division
In December 1961, Robert Kennedy expanded the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
1961: Anti-Racketeering Legislation
In 1961, Kennedy worked to secure the passage of anti-racketeering legislation: Wire Act, Travel Act, and Interstate Transportation of Paraphernalia Act to prohibit interstate gambling.
February 1962: Visit to Japan
In February 1962, Robert Kennedy visited Japan during a sensitive time in U.S.-Japan relations, engaging with the public and press. He debated a student activist at Waseda University, earning praise and improving relations between the two countries.
May 7, 1962: Briefing on CIA plots against Castro
On May 7, 1962, Robert Kennedy was briefed on a CIA plot involving Mafia bosses to assassinate Fidel Castro and directed the CIA to halt any existing efforts.
September 1962: Enforcement of integration at University of Mississippi
In September 1962, Kennedy sent federal forces to the University of Mississippi to enforce a court order allowing James Meredith's admission, leading to the Ole Miss riot.
October 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis
During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, Robert Kennedy played a vital role in securing a blockade and averting war. On October 27, he secretly met with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin and reached an understanding: the Soviets would withdraw missiles from Cuba in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade Cuba and the removal of Jupiter missiles from Turkey.
December 1963: Continued expansion of the Civil Rights Division
Between December 1961 and December 1963, Robert Kennedy expanded the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division by 60 percent.
March 4, 1964: Hoffa's bribery conviction
On March 4, 1964, Jimmy Hoffa was convicted of attempted bribery and sentenced to eight years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Kennedy congratulated the prosecutors.
April 1964: Gallup Poll on Vice-Presidential Choice
In April 1964, a Gallup poll indicated that Robert Kennedy was the preferred vice-presidential choice among 47 percent of Democratic voters, but Lyndon Johnson ultimately chose a different running mate due to their strained relationship.
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. He also considered leaving politics after his brother Ted's plane crash but decided to remain after a trip to Europe.
July 1964: Johnson's Statement on Running Mates
In July 1964, President Johnson issued a statement ruling out his current cabinet members, including Robert Kennedy, as potential running mates, leading to disappointment and criticism.
July 26, 1964: Hoffa's fraud conviction
On July 26, 1964, while on bail, Jimmy Hoffa was convicted of conspiracy and mail and wire fraud, 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, resigning as attorney general on September 2. Despite criticisms, he received support from President Johnson.
September 1964: End of Attorney General Service
In September 1964, Robert F. Kennedy's service as the United States Attorney General came to an end.
September 1964: Stepping Down as Attorney General
In September 1964, as Robert F. Kennedy stepped down as Attorney General, The New York Times praised him for raising the standards of the position, despite having criticized his appointment three years prior.
1964: Kennedy Reviews Effectiveness of Economic Opportunity Act
In 1964, Kennedy was involved in the Senate committee reviewing the effectiveness of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964
In 1964, Robert Kennedy collaborated with Presidents Kennedy and Johnson to create the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to end Jim Crow laws. He worked with Senator Hubert Humphrey and Senator Everett Dirksen to find language that would pass in Congress. He warned against racial tensions not just in the South, but also in the North, advocating for local efforts to address racial problems with whites and Black Americans working together.
1964: Ran 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, continuing his political career after his brother's assassination.
January 1965: Elected as U.S. Senator
In January 1965, Robert F. Kennedy began his term as a U.S. Senator from New York, marking a new chapter in his political career.
February 1965: Kennedy Bothered by Bombing of North Vietnam
In February 1965, Kennedy was bothered by the beginning of the bombing of North Vietnam, but did not want to appear antagonistic toward President Johnson's agenda.
May 1965: Kennedy Co-Sponsors Gun Control Bill
In May 1965, Kennedy co-sponsored S.1592, a gun control bill proposed by President Johnson, advocating for federal restrictions on mail-order gun sales to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
June 1965: Kennedy Addresses Senate on Nuclear Proliferation
In June 1965, Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech in the Senate on nuclear proliferation, drawing a large audience due to his family connections, although he faced challenges adapting to the collaborative nature of the Senate.
December 1965: Kennedy Advises Ceasefire in Vietnam
In December 1965, Kennedy advised Defense Secretary Robert McNamara to counsel President Johnson to declare a ceasefire in Vietnam and explore peace talks.
1965: Kennedy Criticizes U.S. Intervention in Dominican Republic
In 1965, Kennedy criticized U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic and warned that communism could gain traction if it carried the banner of reform for the dispossessed.
1965: Kennedy Employs "Amendments-Only" Strategy in Senate
In 1965, during his first year in the Senate, Kennedy employed a cautious "amendments-only" strategy, including adding an amendment to the Appalachian Regional Development Act to benefit low-income New York counties.
January 31, 1966: Kennedy Warns Against Bombing in Vietnam
On January 31, 1966, Kennedy warned in a Senate speech that "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 non-nuclear states.
February 1966: Kennedy Releases Peace Plan for Vietnam
In February 1966, Kennedy released a peace plan for Vietnam, which called for preserving South Vietnam while allowing the National Liberation Front to join a coalition government in Saigon.
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 put aside reports of a rift between them, though he showed little enthusiasm for Johnson's Vietnam policy.
March 1966: Kennedy Investigates Farm Workers' Rights in Delano, California
In March 1966, Kennedy visited Delano, California, to investigate the conditions of farm workers and held committee hearings on legislation to include farm workers in the National Labor Relations Act, leading to increased media coverage.
April 1966: Meeting with Philip Heymann on Vietnam POWs
In April 1966, Robert F. Kennedy met with Philip Heymann of the State Department to discuss securing the release of American prisoners of war in Vietnam, pressing the Johnson administration to take further action. However, Heymann emphasized that the administration prioritized the "consequences of sitting down with the Viet Cong" over the fate of the prisoners.
June 1966: Kennedy Visits Apartheid-Era South Africa
In June 1966, Robert Kennedy visited apartheid-era South Africa with his wife Ethel, speaking out against the oppression of the black population and receiving praise for his involvement in the politics of South Africa.
1966: Algeria Willing to Broker Vietnam Peace Talks
In 1965-1966, the left-wing Algerian government indicated it was willing to serve as a conduit for Vietnam peace talks, but most of Johnson's advisers were leery of the Algerian offer.
1966: Kennedy Takes More Direct Legislative Action
In 1966, Kennedy took more direct legislative action, but faced increasing resistance from the Johnson administration, despite supporting the "Great Society" program through his voting record.
1966: Kennedy Amendment to Economic Opportunity Act
In 1966, Kennedy worked on an amendment to the Economic Opportunity Act to encourage private industry to locate in poverty-stricken areas through tax breaks.
1966: Visit to Pope Paul VI
In 1966, Robert F. Kennedy visited Pope Paul VI and urged him to address the misery and poverty of South Africa's black population.
March 7, 1967: Hoffa begins prison sentence
On March 7, 1967, Jimmy Hoffa began serving his 13-year prison sentence for bribery and fraud at the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary.
April 1967: Kennedy Visits Mississippi Delta
In April 1967, Kennedy visited the Mississippi Delta as part of a Senate committee, where he was deeply moved by the poverty and starvation he witnessed.
September 1967: Semple Reports on Johnson Administration's Attack on Kennedy's 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 low-cost housing in slums through private enterprise.
1967: Kennedy Faces Resistance from Johnson Administration
In 1967, Kennedy's direct legislative actions faced increasing resistance from the Johnson administration, despite his general support for the "Great Society" program.
1967: Requests to Pope Paul VI to adapt more liberal rhetoric
In 1967, Robert F. Kennedy asked Pope Paul VI to adapt more liberal rhetoric and extend the Church's appeal to Hispanics and other nationalities.
1967: Travels to Europe and outlines plan to end the Vietnam war.
In early 1967, Robert Kennedy traveled to Europe for discussions with leaders and diplomats regarding the Vietnam War. Later, on March 2, 1967, he outlined a three-point plan to end the war, including suspending U.S. bombing of North Vietnam and the withdrawal of American and North Vietnamese soldiers from South Vietnam. On November 26, 1967, he contrasted the Johnson administration's policies on the war with his brother's.
February 8, 1968: Kennedy Critiques Saigon "Government Corruption"
On February 8, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy delivered an address in Chicago, criticizing "government corruption" in Saigon and disagreeing with the Johnson administration's view that the war would determine the future of Asia.
May 1968: Kennedy Defends Gun Control Bill in Oregon
During a May 1968 campaign stop in Roseburg, Oregon, Kennedy defended a gun control bill, emphasizing its importance in keeping firearms away from individuals with no legitimate need for them.
1968: Decision to run for president
In 1968, Robert F. Kennedy initially declined to run for president, citing the unrealistic challenge of running against an incumbent. However, after the Tet Offensive and influenced by a letter from Pete Hamill and the Kerner Commission report, Kennedy reconsidered, believing Johnson was not addressing racial unrest. This eventually led to him entering the presidential race in 1968.
1968: Kennedy decides to challenge Johnson for the presidency
In 1968, Robert Kennedy visited Cesar Chavez in Delano, California, and decided to challenge Johnson for the presidency. He asked Eugene McCarthy to drop out of the race, while Ted Kennedy advised him to wait until 1972.
1968: Founding of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights
In 1968, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights was founded, establishing an international award program to recognize human rights activists.
1969: Launch of the Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps
In 1969, the Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps, a private, nonprofit organization based in Massachusetts, was launched to help abused and neglected children.
1974: Community Development Corporations Flourish
By 1974, the Bedford-Stuyvesant project became a prototype for community development corporations, with 34 federally funded and 75 privately funded corporations.
2019: Speech on Martin Luther King's Death Preserved
In 2019, Robert F. 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 due to its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
