History of Robert F. Kennedy in Timeline
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.
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.
November 20, 1925: Robert Francis Kennedy Born
On November 20, 1925, Robert Francis Kennedy, also known as RFK, was born. He later became a prominent American politician and lawyer, serving as the 64th United States attorney general and a U.S. senator from New York.
1938: Moved to London
In 1938, Robert Kennedy moved to London with his family. Kennedy's father served as the U.S. ambassador to the Court of St James's from 1938 to 1940.
1940: Returned to the United States
In 1940, the Kennedy family returned to the United States just before the outbreak of World War II in Europe. Robert was then sent to boarding schools in New England.
September 1942: Enrolled at Milton Academy
In September 1942, Robert Kennedy enrolled at Milton Academy in Milton, Massachusetts, for his 11th and 12th grades. He later graduated from Milton in May 1944.
1943: Enlisted in United States Naval Reserve
In 1943, six weeks before his 18th birthday, Robert Kennedy enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve as a seaman apprentice. This marked the beginning of his military service.
March 1944: Released from Active Duty and Entered V-12 Program
In March 1944, Robert Kennedy was released from active duty in the United States Naval Reserve. He then entered the V-12 Navy College Training Program at Harvard College.
May 1944: Graduated from Milton Academy
In May 1944, Robert Kennedy graduated from Milton Academy, a preparatory school near Boston. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve.
August 1944: Death of Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.
In August 1944, Robert Kennedy's oldest brother, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., died when his bomber exploded during Operation Aphrodite. This event deeply affected Robert and his family.
November 1944: Relocated to Bates College
In November 1944, Robert Kennedy was relocated to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where he continued his education as part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program.
June 1945: Returned to Harvard
In June 1945, Robert Kennedy returned to Harvard after attending Bates College as part of the V-12 program. He completed his post-training requirements at Harvard.
December 15, 1945: USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Commissioned
On December 15, 1945, the U.S. Navy commissioned the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy later requested to serve aboard it.
December 1945: Meeting Ethel Skakel
In December 1945, Robert Kennedy met Ethel Skakel during a skiing trip to Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec, Canada.
January 1946: Completed Post-Training Requirements at Harvard
In January 1946, Robert Kennedy completed his post-training requirements at Harvard, marking the end of his involvement in the V-12 Navy College Training Program.
February 1, 1946: Served Aboard USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.
On February 1, 1946, Robert Kennedy began serving aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. as a seaman apprentice. Kennedy served on the ship's shakedown cruise in the Caribbean.
May 30, 1946: Honorable Discharge from the Navy
On May 30, 1946, Robert Kennedy received his honorable discharge from the Navy. For his service, he was eligible for the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
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 1948: Enrolled at University of Virginia School of Law
In September 1948, Robert Kennedy enrolled at the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville. He was elected president of the Student Legal Forum.
1948: Graduated from Harvard
In 1948, Robert Kennedy graduated from Harvard with a bachelor's degree in political science, marking the completion of his undergraduate education.
June 17, 1950: Marriage to Ethel Skakel
On June 17, 1950, Robert Kennedy married Ethel Skakel at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwich, Connecticut.
June 1951: Graduated from Law School
In June 1951, Robert Kennedy graduated from law school, finishing 56th in a class of 125. After graduation, he was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar.
1951: Birth of Kathleen Kennedy
In 1951, Kathleen Kennedy, the first child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
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: Birth of Joseph Kennedy
In 1952, Joseph Kennedy, the second child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
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.
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.
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: Birth of Robert Kennedy Jr.
In 1954, Robert Kennedy Jr., the third child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
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.
1955: Birth of David Kennedy
In 1955, David Kennedy, the fourth child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
1956: Birth of Mary Courtney Kennedy
In 1956, Mary Courtney Kennedy, the fifth child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
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.
1956: Purchase of Hickory Hill
In 1956, the Kennedys purchased Hickory Hill, a six-acre estate in McLean, Virginia, from Robert's brother John. Robert and Ethel hosted many gatherings there and were known for their impressive guest lists.
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.
1958: Birth of Michael Kennedy
In 1958, Michael Kennedy, the sixth child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
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: Birth of Mary Kerry Kennedy
In 1959, Mary Kerry Kennedy, the seventh child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
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: 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."
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: 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".
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: 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.
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.
May 7, 1962: Briefing on CIA plot against Castro
On May 7, 1962, Robert Kennedy was briefed on an earlier plot involving the CIA's use of Mafia bosses Sam Giancana and John Roselli and directed the CIA to halt any existing efforts directed at Castro's assassination.
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: Visit to the Vatican
In 1962, Robert and Ethel Kennedy visited the Vatican, where Pope John XXIII gave them medals and rosaries for themselves and their children.
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.
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.
August 1963: Re-interment of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy
In August 1963, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, son of President Kennedy, who died two days after birth, was re-interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
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.
November 22, 1963: Assassination of President Kennedy
On November 22, 1963, Robert Kennedy was informed by J. Edgar Hoover that his brother, President Kennedy, had been shot in Dallas. Subsequently, Kennedy instructed McGeorge Bundy to change the locks on the president's files, ordered the Secret Service to dismantle the hidden taping system, and met with CIA director John McCone to inquire about the CIA's involvement in his brother's death.
December 5, 1963: Burial of President Kennedy's Infants
On December 5, 1963, after President Kennedy was interred in Arlington Cemetery, his two infants, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and Arabella, were buried next to him in a private ceremony.
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: Birth of Christopher Kennedy
In 1963, Christopher Kennedy, the eighth child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy
In 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated. This event is related because Robert Kennedy's death, like his brother John's assassination in 1963, has been the subject of conspiracy theories.
1963: Kennedy's Remarks from 1963
In 1963, Kennedy spoke against including Communists in coalition governments, though Kennedy's subject was Germany, not Vietnam
1963: Advising John F. Kennedy Until Assassination
Until John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, Robert Kennedy served as one of his closest advisors. Kennedy played a pivotal role in shaping policy and decision-making during this period.
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.
September 27, 1964: Statement on Warren Commission Report
On September 27, 1964, Robert Kennedy issued a statement through his New York campaign office that he was convinced Lee Harvey Oswald was solely responsible for the assassination of President Kennedy and that he did not have any outside help.
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: Reviewing the Economic Opportunity Act
In 1967, Kennedy served on the Senate committee to review the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
1964: Residence in Hyannis Port until 1964
Until 1964, Robert F. Kennedy and his wife maintained their legal residence in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod.
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: Birth of Maxwell Kennedy
In 1965, Maxwell Kennedy, the ninth child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
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: Purchase of Manhattan Apartment
In 1965, Robert F. Kennedy purchased an apartment at United Nations Plaza in Manhattan.
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.
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: 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.
1966: Meeting with Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
In 1966, after a meeting with Robert Kennedy, historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. wrote that Kennedy believed the Warren Commission's report was a poor job and would not endorse it, but was unwilling to criticize it and thereby reopen the tragic business.
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: Birth of Douglas Kennedy
In 1967, Douglas Kennedy, the tenth child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
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.
April 4, 1968: Indianapolis Speech Following MLK's Assassination
On April 4, 1968, following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech in Indianapolis, quoting lines from Aeschylus.
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.
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.
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: Birth of Rory Kennedy
In 1968, Rory Kennedy, the eleventh child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, was born.
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.
1968: Revelation of Wiretapping
In 1968, days before Robert Kennedy's death, the wiretapping of Martin Luther King Jr. was revealed.
1968: Impact of Kennedy's Death on the 1968 Election
Robert Kennedy's death in 1968 is considered a significant factor in the Democratic Party's loss of the 1968 presidential election.
1969: Publication of Thirteen Days
In 1969, Robert Kennedy's account of the Cuban Missile Crisis was posthumously published in a book titled Thirteen Days.
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.
1971: Publication of We Band of Brothers
In his 1971 book We Band of Brothers, aide Edwin O. Guthman recounted Kennedy admitting an hour after receiving word of his brother's death, that he thought he would be the one "they would get" as opposed to his brother.
1972: Ted Kennedy's Advice Against 1968 Presidential Bid
In 1968, as Robert Kennedy considered running for president, his brother Ted Kennedy advised him to wait until 1972, after Johnson's term, fearing a loss in the primaries could ruin his future chances.
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.
1974: The Missiles of October TV Play
In 1974, Kennedy's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis was dramatized by Martin Sheen in the TV play The Missiles of October.
1978: Congressional Gold Medal Awarded
In 1978, the U.S. Congress awarded Kennedy the Congressional Gold Medal for distinguished service.
1998: Robert F. Kennedy Silver Dollar Released
In 1998, the United States Mint released the Robert F. Kennedy silver dollar. The coin featured Kennedy's image and emblems of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Senate.
2000: Thirteen Days Film
In 2000, Kennedy's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis was dramatized by Steven Culp in Thirteen Days.
2000: Evan Thomas on Kennedy's Powers
In 2000, biographer Evan Thomas wrote that Robert Kennedy misused his powers by "modern standards" but concluded he was a great attorney general.
2006: Bobby Film Released
In 2006, the film Bobby was released, telling the story of multiple people's lives leading up to RFK's assassination. The film employs stock footage from his presidential campaign, and he is briefly portrayed by Dave Fraunces.
2007: Release of the "Family Jewels" documents
In 2007, the CIA declassified the "Family Jewels" documents, which suggest that before the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Robert Kennedy personally authorized one assassination attempt on Fidel Castro.
2011: The Kennedys Miniseries
In 2011, Barry Pepper won an Emmy for his portrayal of Kennedy in The Kennedys, an eight-part miniseries.
2016: Jackie Film
In 2016, Peter Sarsgaard played Kennedy in the film about Jacqueline Kennedy, Jackie.
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.
January 2025: Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded
In January 2025, President Joe Biden awarded Kennedy the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian award of the United States.
Mentioned in this timeline
California is the most populous US state located on the...
James Baldwin was a prominent African-American writer and civil rights...
India officially the Republic of India is a South Asian...
Africa is the second-largest and second-most populous continent home to...
The Dominican Republic located on the eastern side of Hispaniola...
The Catholic Church the largest Christian church globally with over...
Trending
35 minutes ago Pixel 9: Free AI Features, Gemini Live Integration, and Samsung's Visual AI.
35 minutes ago Phillies and Braves battle it out: Game highlights and open thread discussion.
36 minutes ago Young Buck Faces Jail Time After Bond Revocation in Tennessee Case.
36 minutes ago Renzo Rosso on Vicenza's promotion chances, Padova's stress, and team depth
37 minutes ago Claudia Barretto and Basti Lorenzo's Wedding: Family Celebrations and Some Disappointments Arise.
37 minutes ago Armed motorist pursued by CHP in Los Angeles, leading to arrest near East LA.
Popular
Peter Navarro is an American economist and author known for...
Bruce Pearl is an American college basketball coach currently head...
The Nintendo Switch is a video game console developed by...
Facebook is a social media and networking service created in...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a highly decorated American...
Ubisoft Entertainment SA is a French video game publisher based...