Challenges in the Life of Robert F. Kennedy in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Robert F. Kennedy faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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.

January 1954: Professional Nadir

The period of January 1954 saw Robert Kennedy at "a professional and personal nadir", feeling adrift while trying to prove himself to his family.

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.

1960: Kennedy Addresses Anti-Catholicism

In 1960, Robert F. Kennedy encountered anti-Catholicism during his brother's presidential campaign and stated, "Anti-Catholicism is the anti-semitism of the intellectuals."

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.

1961: Handling of Complaints Filed by King

Between 1961 and 1963, the administration decided that a number of complaints Martin Luther King Jr. filed with the Justice Department be handled "through negotiation between the city commission and Negro citizens".

February 1962: Hoover Alleges Communist Ties of King's Confidants

In February 1962, J. Edgar Hoover presented Robert Kennedy with allegations that some of Martin Luther King Jr.'s close confidants and advisors were communists, leading to FBI monitoring of King.

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.

May 24, 1963: Private Meeting with Black Delegation

On May 24, 1963, Robert Kennedy held a private meeting in New York City with a black delegation coordinated by James Baldwin in an attempt to better understand and improve race relations. The meeting became antagonistic and reached no consensus.

October 1963: Kennedy Authorizes Wiretapping of King

In October 1963, Robert Kennedy issued a written directive authorizing the FBI to wiretap Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders of the SCLC, King's civil rights organization.

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.

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.

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.

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: Continuation of King Wiretapping

The wiretapping of Martin Luther King Jr., authorized by Robert Kennedy in October 1963, continued through June 1966.

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.

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.

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: 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.

June 5, 1968: Shot After California Primary Win

On June 5, 1968, shortly after winning the California primary, Robert F. Kennedy was shot by Sirhan Sirhan due to his support of Israel following the 1967 Six-Day War.

June 6, 1968: Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy

On June 6, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated while running for the Democratic presidential nomination. His death marked a significant loss to the Democratic Party and American liberalism.