History of Robert F. Kennedy in Timeline
Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) was a prominent American politician and lawyer. He served as the 64th US Attorney General from 1961 to 1964 and later as a US Senator for New York. A member of the influential Kennedy family, he became a key figure in the Democratic Party and a symbol of modern American liberalism. His career was tragically cut short by his assassination in 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Like his brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy, RFK's legacy continues to resonate in American politics.
1918: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was used in the conviction of Joey Aiuppa, a Mafia leader targeted by Robert F. Kennedy's Justice Department.
November 20, 1925: Birth of Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy was born on November 20, 1925.
1938: Family moves to London
The Kennedy family moved to London in 1938, where Robert's father served as U.S. ambassador.
1940: Family returns from London
The Kennedy family returned to the U.S. from London in 1940.
September 1942: Attends Milton Academy
Robert F. Kennedy started attending Milton Academy in September 1942.
1943: Enlists in US Naval Reserve
Robert F. Kennedy enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1943.
March 1944: Leaves Milton Academy, joins V-12 program
Robert F. Kennedy left Milton Academy early and joined the V-12 Navy College Training Program at Harvard in March 1944.
May 1944: Graduates from Milton Academy
Robert F. Kennedy graduated from Milton Academy in May 1944.
August 1944: Death of Joseph Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy's oldest brother, Joseph Jr., died in August 1944.
November 1944: Relocated to Bates College
Robert F. Kennedy was relocated to Bates College in November 1944 as part of the V-12 program.
June 1945: Returns to Harvard
Robert F. Kennedy returned to Harvard in June 1945.
December 1945: First meeting of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel
Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel first met during a skiing trip to Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec, Canada, in December 1945.
December 15, 1945: USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Commissioned
The USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. was commissioned on December 15, 1945.
January 1946: Completes post-training requirements
Robert F. Kennedy completed his V-12 post-training requirements at Harvard in January 1946.
February 1, 1946: Serves aboard USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy began serving aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. on February 1, 1946.
May 30, 1946: Honorable discharge from Navy
Robert F. Kennedy received an honorable discharge from the Navy on May 30, 1946.
1946: Active in John F. Kennedy's House Campaign
Robert F. Kennedy became active in his brother John's campaign for a U.S. House seat in 1946.
June 1948: Reporting on the Berlin Blockade
In June 1948, Robert F. Kennedy reported on the Berlin Blockade, a major international crisis, sharing his experience of witnessing planes taking off in the rain.
September 1948: Enters University of Virginia School of Law
Robert F. Kennedy enrolled at the University of Virginia School of Law in September 1948.
1948: Graduates from Harvard
Robert F. Kennedy graduated from Harvard with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1948.
June 17, 1950: Marriage of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel
Robert F. Kennedy married Ethel Skakel on June 17, 1950, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwich, Connecticut.
June 1951: Graduates from Law School
Robert F. Kennedy graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in June 1951.
September 1951: Covering the Treaty of Peace with Japan
In September 1951, shortly after graduating from law school, Kennedy covered the signing of the Treaty of Peace with Japan in San Francisco for The Boston Post.
October 1951: Seven-Week Asian Trip
In October 1951, Robert F. Kennedy embarked on a seven-week trip through Asia with his brother John and sister Patricia. Visiting Israel, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Japan, this extensive trip, encouraged by their father, allowed the brothers to strengthen their bond and gain valuable international experience. They met with significant figures including Liaquat Ali Khan and Jawaharlal Nehru.
1951: Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and DOJ Appointment
In 1951, Kennedy was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and began working at the Internal Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
1951: Birth of Kathleen Kennedy
Kathleen Kennedy, the first child of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel, was born in 1951.
February 1952: Transfer to the Criminal Division
In February 1952, Kennedy transferred to the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, focusing on fraud cases.
June 6, 1952: Managing John F. Kennedy's Senate Campaign
On June 6, 1952, Robert F. Kennedy resigned from his position at the Department of Justice to manage his brother John's successful Senate campaign in Massachusetts.
December 1952: Appointment to Senate Subcommittee
In December 1952, Kennedy was appointed as assistant counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
1952: Kennedy's Move to Boston Rooming House
In 1952, Robert and Ethel Kennedy moved from their Georgetown townhouse to a rooming house in Boston.
1952: Birth of Joseph Kennedy II
Joseph Kennedy II, the second child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1952.
1952: Manages John F. Kennedy's Senate Campaign
Robert F. Kennedy managed his brother John's successful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1952.
July 1953: Resignation from Senate Subcommittee
Kennedy resigned from the Senate Subcommittee in July 1953.
January 1954: Professional and Personal Nadir
The period from July 1953 to January 1954 was a challenging time for Kennedy, as he sought direction in his career.
February 1954: Return to Senate Committee Staff
Kennedy returned to the Senate committee staff as chief counsel for the Democratic minority in February 1954.
1954: Brown v. Board of Education
Robert F. Kennedy referenced the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision as established law during his May 6, 1961 speech at the University of Georgia.
1954: Birth of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the third child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1954.
January 1955: Chief Counsel and Army-McCarthy Hearings
With the Democrats gaining a Senate majority in January 1955, Kennedy became chief counsel and played a role in the Army-McCarthy hearings.
1955: Birth of David Kennedy
David Kennedy, the fourth child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1955.
1956: Aide to Adlai Stevenson and Delegate at DNC
In 1956, Kennedy worked as an aide to Adlai Stevenson during the presidential election and served as a Massachusetts delegate at the Democratic National Convention.
1956: Birth of Mary Courtney Kennedy
Mary Courtney Kennedy, the fifth child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1956.
1956: Kennedy's Purchase of Hickory Hill
In 1956, Robert and Ethel Kennedy bought Hickory Hill, an estate in McLean, Virginia, from John F. Kennedy.
1957: Chief Counsel to the Senate Rackets Committee
From 1957 to 1959, Kennedy served as the chief counsel to the Senate Rackets Committee, investigating improper activities in labor and management.
1957: Chief Counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee
Robert F. Kennedy became the chief counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee in 1957.
1958: Birth of Michael Kennedy
Michael Kennedy, the sixth child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1958.
September 1959: Leaving the Senate Rackets Committee
Kennedy left the Senate Rackets Committee in September 1959 to manage his brother's presidential campaign.
1959: Birth of Mary Kerry Kennedy
Mary Kerry Kennedy, the seventh child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1959.
1959: Resigns from Senate Labor Rackets Committee
Robert F. Kennedy resigned from the Senate Labor Rackets Committee in 1959.
1960: Appointment as U.S. Attorney General
Following John F. Kennedy's presidential victory in 1960, Robert F. Kennedy was appointed U.S. Attorney General, a controversial choice due to his perceived lack of experience.
1960: Kennedy's Faith and Anti-Catholicism
In 1960, Robert F. Kennedy's deep Catholic faith and his experiences with anti-Catholic sentiment during his brother's presidential campaign became defining elements in his life and political perspective. He was particularly troubled by the anti-Catholicism displayed by intellectuals and journalists, referring to it as "the anti-semitism of the intellectuals."
1960: Manages John F. Kennedy's Presidential Campaign
Robert F. Kennedy conducted his brother's successful campaign in the 1960 presidential election.
January 1961: Robert F. Kennedy becomes Attorney General
Robert F. Kennedy began his term as the 64th United States Attorney General in January 1961.
January 1961: Confirmation as Attorney General
In January 1961, Robert F. Kennedy was confirmed as Attorney General after some political maneuvering involving President-elect Kennedy, Vice President-elect Johnson, and Senator Richard Russell Jr.
May 6, 1961: Civil Rights Speech
On May 6, 1961, Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech at the University of Georgia School of Law emphasizing the administration's commitment to upholding civil rights laws.
May 1961: Appointment to Juvenile Delinquency Committee
In May 1961, Robert F. Kennedy was appointed chairman of the President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime.
May 29, 1961: Kennedy Petitions ICC to Ban Segregation
On May 29, 1961, Robert F. Kennedy petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to issue regulations banning segregation in interstate travel. This action followed his involvement in protecting the Freedom Riders and negotiating their safe passage. The ICC subsequently decreed that interstate bus carriers and terminals had to be integrated by November 1, 1961.
June 1961: Kennedy's Role in Berlin Crisis
In June 1961, Robert F. Kennedy played a significant role in the Berlin Crisis, utilizing backchannel communication with a Soviet officer to facilitate diplomatic exchanges between the U.S. and Soviet governments. This communication contributed to setting up the Vienna Summit.
July 7, 1961: Renewed Focus on Hoffa
On July 7, 1961, after Jimmy Hoffa's reelection as Teamsters president, Robert F. Kennedy reaffirmed the government's commitment to pursuing its case against Hoffa.
September 1961: Juvenile Delinquency Act
The Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Offenses Control Act was signed into law in September 1961, following Robert F. Kennedy's work on the issue.
November 1961: Kennedy's Role in Operation Mongoose
In November 1961, Robert F. Kennedy became the president's representative in Operation Mongoose, a covert program designed to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba.
December 1961: Kennedy Expands Civil Rights Division
Starting in December 1961, and continuing through December 1963, Robert F. Kennedy oversaw a 60% expansion of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
1961: Negotiations on Civil Rights Complaints
Between 1961 and 1963, the Kennedy administration opted to handle several civil rights complaints filed by Martin Luther King Jr. through negotiations.
1961: President Kennedy's promised visit to Japan
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy promised to visit Japan in the following year, a commitment later fulfilled by his brother, Robert F. Kennedy.
1961: Crackdown on Organized Crime
In 1961, as Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy launched a significant campaign against organized crime, leading to a substantial increase in convictions and targeting key figures in the Mafia. He also worked to pass anti-racketeering legislation, including the Federal Wire Act.
February 1962: Kennedy Visits West Berlin
In February 1962, Robert F. Kennedy and his wife visited West Berlin to demonstrate U.S. support for the city and to mend the strained relationship between the administration and its special envoy in Berlin.
February 1962: Visit to Japan
In February 1962, Robert F. Kennedy visited Japan on behalf of his brother, President John F. Kennedy. During this trip, he addressed a student gathering at Waseda University, skillfully handling a challenging Q&A session and improving U.S.-Japan relations.
February 1962: Allegations Against King
In February 1962, Robert F. Kennedy was presented with allegations regarding communist associations of some of Martin Luther King Jr.'s advisors.
May 7, 1962: Kennedy Informed of Castro Assassination Plot
On May 7, 1962, Robert F. Kennedy was briefed on a CIA plot to assassinate Fidel Castro involving Mafia figures. He subsequently directed the CIA to cease any such efforts.
September 1962: Kennedy Sends Marshals to University of Mississippi
In September 1962, Robert F. Kennedy sent U.S. Marshals and other federal officers to the University of Mississippi to enforce the court-ordered admission of James Meredith, the university's first African American student. Despite Kennedy's efforts, violence erupted on campus, resulting in injuries and deaths. Kennedy remained firm in his belief that black students deserved equal access to education.
October 1962: Role in the Cuban Missile Crisis
In October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Robert F. Kennedy played a crucial role in negotiating a peaceful resolution, including a secret meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin. His efforts contributed to averting a potential nuclear war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
1962: Visit with Pope John XXIII
During a 1962 visit to the Vatican, Robert F. Kennedy and his wife, Ethel, received medals and rosaries from Pope John XXIII.
1962: Hoffa's Conspiracy Trial
In 1962, Jimmy Hoffa faced a conspiracy trial, during which he was later convicted of attempting to bribe a grand juror.
May 24, 1963: Kennedy Meets with Black Delegation
On May 24, 1963, Robert F. Kennedy held a private meeting in New York City with a black delegation organized by James Baldwin to discuss race relations. The meeting proved unproductive, with the delegation feeling that Kennedy did not fully grasp the extent of racism in the U.S. Kennedy's attempt to compare his family's experience with discrimination to that of African Americans further alienated the group.
August 1963: Death of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy
Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, son of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, died two days after his birth in August 1963.
October 1963: Authorization of Wiretap
In October 1963, Robert F. Kennedy authorized the FBI to wiretap Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders of the SCLC.
November 22, 1963: Reaction to President Kennedy's Assassination
On November 22, 1963, Robert F. Kennedy learned of his brother's assassination and immediately took steps to secure presidential documents and investigate the circumstances surrounding the event. He also questioned the CIA director about any potential involvement.
December 5, 1963: Burial of President Kennedy's Children
On December 5, 1963, two of President John F. Kennedy's children, Patrick and Arabella, were buried next to him in Arlington National Cemetery in a private night ceremony.
December 1963: Kennedy Expands Civil Rights Division
By December 1963, Robert F. Kennedy had overseen a 60% expansion of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, initiated two years earlier.
1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy's brother, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1963.
1963: Kennedy's Remarks on Coalition Governments
Kennedy's remarks from 1963 about communist involvement in coalition governments were cited in response to his Vietnam peace plan.
1963: Birth of Christopher Kennedy
Christopher Kennedy, the eighth child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1963.
1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 is mentioned in the context of Robert F. Kennedy's assassination and the conspiracy theories surrounding both events. This entry focuses on the immediate aftermath of Robert F. Kennedy's shooting.
March 4, 1964: Hoffa's Bribery Conviction
On March 4, 1964, Jimmy Hoffa was convicted of bribery, a victory for Robert F. Kennedy's long-running pursuit of the Teamsters leader.
April 1964: Consideration for Vice Presidency
In April 1964, Robert F. Kennedy was considered a potential vice-presidential candidate for the upcoming election, with a Gallup poll showing him as the favored choice among Democratic voters.
June 1964: Kennedy Considers Leaving Politics
In June 1964, Robert F. Kennedy considered resigning from his position after President Johnson rejected his offer to become the U.S. ambassador to South Vietnam. He also contemplated leaving politics entirely following his brother Ted's plane crash. However, a trip to Germany and Poland, where he was received positively, convinced him to stay.
July 1964: Johnson Excludes Cabinet Members from Vice Presidential Consideration
In July 1964, President Johnson officially excluded all current cabinet members, including Robert F. Kennedy, from consideration as his running mate, prompting public disappointment.
July 26, 1964: Hoffa's Fraud Conviction
On July 26, 1964, Jimmy Hoffa was convicted on charges of fraud related to the Teamsters' pension fund, adding to his legal troubles.
August 25, 1964: Kennedy Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate
On August 25, 1964, Robert F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in New York. This decision followed his resignation as attorney general on September 2nd. He chose to run in New York because his brother, Ted Kennedy, was running for reelection in Massachusetts. Despite a strained relationship, President Johnson supported Kennedy's campaign.
September 1964: Kennedy Steps Down as Attorney General
In September 1964, Robert F. Kennedy resigned as Attorney General. The New York Times, despite prior criticism of his appointment, praised his tenure for elevating the standards of the office.
September 1964: Robert F. Kennedy resigns as Attorney General
Robert F. Kennedy resigned as Attorney General in September 1964.
September 27, 1964: Response to the Warren Commission Report
On September 27, 1964, Robert F. Kennedy publicly stated his belief that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy, based on briefings about the Warren Commission's report, which he claimed he had not read.
1964: Kennedy's Voting Address Change
Until 1964, Robert F. Kennedy maintained a voting address in Beacon Hill, Boston. He changed it to Glen Cove, Long Island, in preparation for his U.S. Senate run from New York.
1964: Economic Opportunity Act
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, a key piece of legislation in the War on Poverty, was reviewed by Kennedy's Senate committee.
1964: Robert F. Kennedy elected to U.S. Senate
Robert F. Kennedy was elected to the U.S. Senate from New York in 1964.
1964: Kennedy Works on Civil Rights Act of 1964
Throughout 1964, Robert F. Kennedy worked with Senator Hubert Humphrey and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen to craft the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to dismantle Jim Crow laws. Kennedy emphasized that racial tensions existed beyond the South and advocated for local efforts to address racial problems.
January 1965: Robert F. Kennedy becomes Senator for New York
Robert F. Kennedy began his term as a U.S. Senator for New York in January 1965.
February 1965: Beginning of Bombing of North Vietnam
The bombing of North Vietnam began in February 1965, a development that concerned Kennedy.
May 1965: Kennedy Advocates for Gun Control
In May 1965, Robert F. Kennedy co-sponsored a bill (S.1592) to restrict mail-order gun sales. He argued that the easy access to firearms had led to numerous deaths and supported federal regulations to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands.
June 1965: Kennedy's Early Senate Career
In June 1965, Robert F. Kennedy delivered a notable speech on nuclear proliferation in the Senate, attracting a large audience. His transition from being the president's advisor to one of many senators presented challenges. He formed an unlikely alliance with Senator Fred R. Harris and sought guidance from his younger brother, Ted, who was his senior in the Senate. Kennedy was known for his preparedness in debates but also for his blunt style, which affected his popularity among colleagues.
December 1965: Advice to Robert McNamara
In December 1965, Kennedy advised Defense Secretary Robert McNamara to counsel President Johnson to declare a ceasefire in Vietnam.
1965: Birth of Maxwell Kennedy
Maxwell Kennedy, the ninth child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1965.
1965: Kennedy's Manhattan Apartment Purchase
In 1965, Robert F. Kennedy purchased an apartment at United Nations Plaza in Manhattan.
1965: Kennedy's Focus on Human Rights and Latin America Trip
In 1965, Robert F. Kennedy prioritized human rights in U.S. foreign policy. He criticized the U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic and expressed concerns about the Johnson administration abandoning President Kennedy's Alliance for Progress goals. After a Latin American trip, Kennedy warned about the potential for communism to appeal to those who felt ignored and dispossessed.
1965: Kennedy's Senate Work and Advocacy
In 1965, Robert F. Kennedy championed the cause of marginalized communities, including African Americans, Native Americans, and immigrant groups. He advocated for the poor and excluded, aligning himself with civil rights leaders. He amended the Appalachian Regional Development Act and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and proposed funding for drug treatment and social security reform.
January 31, 1966: Senate Speech on Vietnam
On January 31, 1966, Kennedy delivered a Senate speech criticizing the bombing strategy in Vietnam.
February 8, 1966: Kennedy Urges Nuclear Weapons Pledge
On February 8, 1966, Robert F. Kennedy called on the United States to commit to not being the first to use nuclear weapons against countries without nuclear arsenals. He highlighted that China had made such a pledge, and the Soviet Union had expressed willingness to do so as well.
February 1966: Kennedy's Peace Plan for Vietnam
In February 1966, Kennedy released a peace plan for Vietnam, drawing criticism and sparking controversy.
February 23, 1966: Trip with President Johnson
Kennedy flew with President Johnson to New York on February 23, 1966, amidst reports of a rift between them over Vietnam.
March 1966: Senate Hearings on Farm Workers' Rights
In March 1966, Kennedy participated in Senate hearings concerning the rights of farm workers, bringing media attention to their plight.
April 1966: Meeting with Philip Heymann
Kennedy met privately with Philip Heymann of the State Department in April 1966 to discuss the release of American prisoners of war in Vietnam.
June 1966: End of Wiretap
The FBI's wiretapping of Martin Luther King Jr., authorized by Robert F. Kennedy, continued until June 1966.
June 1966: Kennedy Visits Apartheid-Era South Africa
In June 1966, Robert F. Kennedy and his wife, Ethel, visited South Africa during apartheid. His trip garnered international acclaim as he spoke against the oppression of the native population. He was received enthusiastically by the black community.
1966: Advocacy for South Africa's Black Population
In 1966, Robert F. Kennedy visited Pope Paul VI and urged him to address the poverty and suffering of black South Africans.
1966: Meeting with Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
In 1966, Robert F. Kennedy met with historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. and expressed his dissatisfaction with the Warren Commission's report, though he was unwilling to publicly criticize it.
1966: Amendment to the Economic Opportunity Act
In 1966, Kennedy proposed an amendment to the Economic Opportunity Act to encourage private investment in impoverished areas.
1966: Kennedy's Legislative Actions
During 1966, Robert F. Kennedy took more direct legislative action, although facing increasing opposition from the Johnson administration. Despite this, Kennedy's voting record showed significant support for Johnson's "Great Society" program.
1966: Algeria's Offer to Mediate Peace Talks
During 1965-1966, Algeria offered to serve as a mediator in peace talks for the Vietnam War.
March 7, 1967: Hoffa Imprisoned
On March 7, 1967, Jimmy Hoffa began serving his combined prison sentence for bribery and fraud.
April 1967: Visit to Mississippi Delta
In April 1967, Robert F. Kennedy visited the Mississippi Delta as part of a Senate committee investigating the effectiveness of War on Poverty programs.
September 1967: Kennedy's Bedford-Stuyvesant Redevelopment Project
In September 1967, Robert F. Kennedy spearheaded a redevelopment initiative in the impoverished Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Despite facing challenges securing support from President Johnson, he aimed to create a model for community growth. He struggled to gain federal assistance and corporate investments, though companies like IBM, Xerox, and U.S. Gypsum did participate.
1967: Birth of Douglas Kennedy
Douglas Kennedy, the tenth child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1967.
1967: Kennedy's European Trip and Vietnam Disagreements
In 1967, Robert F. Kennedy traveled to Europe to discuss the Vietnam War with various leaders. His differing views with President Johnson on the war became public, causing tension between them. Kennedy proposed a three-point peace plan, but it was rejected by Secretary of State Dean Rusk.
1967: Kennedy's Continued Legislative Work
Kennedy's legislative efforts persisted in 1967, still encountering resistance from the Johnson administration. Nevertheless, his voting record continued to reflect support for the "Great Society" initiatives.
1967: Call for Church Modernization
Robert F. Kennedy urged Pope Paul VI in 1967 to adopt a more inclusive approach and extend the Catholic Church's outreach to various communities, including Hispanics.
1967: Six-Day War
The Six-Day War took place in 1967, a year before Robert F. Kennedy's assassination.
February 8, 1968: Kennedy Critiques Vietnam Policy in Chicago Address
On February 8, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech in Chicago criticizing the South Vietnamese government and the Johnson administration's handling of the Vietnam War. He expressed his disagreement with their assessment of the war's importance to Asia's future.
February 1968: Visit to Eastern Kentucky
Robert F. Kennedy visited eastern Kentucky in February 1968 to review the impact of War on Poverty programs.
April 4, 1968: Indianapolis Speech
On April 4, 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy delivered a poignant speech in Indianapolis, incorporating lines from the Greek playwright Aeschylus.
May 1968: Kennedy Defends Gun Control Bill
During a campaign stop in Roseburg, Oregon, in May 1968, Robert F. Kennedy defended the gun control bill he had co-sponsored, reiterating his commitment to keeping firearms away from individuals legally prohibited from owning them.
June 5, 1968: Robert F. Kennedy shot by Sirhan Sirhan
Robert F. Kennedy was shot by Sirhan Sirhan on June 5, 1968, shortly after winning the California primary.
June 6, 1968: Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated on June 6, 1968.
June 1968: Robert F. Kennedy runs for President
Robert F. Kennedy ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in June 1968.
1968: Impact of Kennedy's Death
Following Robert F. Kennedy's assassination in 1968, his death was widely considered a contributing factor to the Democratic Party's loss in the presidential election. He has since gained respect across the political spectrum, influencing figures like Joe Scarborough, John Ashcroft, and many others.
1968: Events Leading to Kennedy's Presidential Bid
In 1968, after initially declining, Robert F. Kennedy decided to run for president. Influential factors included the Tet Offensive, a letter from Pete Hamill, and the Johnson administration's dismissal of the Kerner Commission report on racial unrest.
1968: Birth of Rory Kennedy
Rory Kennedy, the eleventh child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, was born in 1968.
1968: Establishment of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights
The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights was established in 1968 to honor his legacy and continue his work in human rights advocacy, including an international award program for activists.
1968: Wiretap Revelation
The wiretapping of Martin Luther King Jr. was revealed in 1968, shortly before Robert F. Kennedy's death.
1968: Kennedy's Decision to Challenge Johnson
During a 1968 visit to California, Robert F. Kennedy decided to challenge President Johnson for the presidency. He planned to convince Senator Eugene McCarthy to withdraw from the race. His brother, Ted Kennedy, opposed the decision, fearing it would damage RFK's future prospects.
1969: Launch of the Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps
In 1969, the Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps was founded to further his commitment to helping disadvantaged children. This non-profit organization supports hundreds of abused and neglected children in Massachusetts.
1969: Publication of Thirteen Days
Robert F. Kennedy's book "Thirteen Days," an account of the Cuban Missile Crisis, was published posthumously in 1969.
1971: Publication of We Band of Brothers
Edwin O. Guthman's book "We Band of Brothers," published in 1971, recounts Robert F. Kennedy's immediate reaction to the news of his brother's death and his fears for his own safety.
1972: Ted Kennedy's Preferred Timeline for RFK's Presidency
Ted Kennedy believed 1972, after Johnson's term ended, would be a better time for Robert F. Kennedy to run for president.
1974: Bedford-Stuyvesant Project's Legacy
By 1974, Robert F. Kennedy's Bedford-Stuyvesant project inspired the creation of numerous community development corporations across the United States, demonstrating its influence as a prototype for community-led initiatives.
1974: The Missiles of October
Robert F. Kennedy's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis was portrayed by Martin Sheen in the 1974 TV movie "The Missiles of October."
1978: Congressional Gold Medal Award
Robert F. Kennedy was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1978 for his distinguished service.
1993: Guthman and Allen Publication
In 1993, Edwin O. Guthman and C. Richard Allen likely published a work referencing Kennedy. More context is needed to determine the specifics of this publication.
1998: Release of the Robert F. Kennedy Silver Dollar
The United States Mint released a commemorative silver dollar featuring Robert F. Kennedy's image in 1998.
2000: Thirteen Days
Steven Culp played Robert F. Kennedy in the 2000 film "Thirteen Days," which depicted the Cuban Missile Crisis.
2006: Bobby
The 2006 film "Bobby" portrays the events leading up to Robert F. Kennedy's assassination, with archival footage and a brief portrayal by Dave Fraunces.
2007: Declassification of "Family Jewels" Documents
In 2007, the CIA declassified documents known as the "Family Jewels," which suggested Robert F. Kennedy's prior authorization of an assassination attempt on Fidel Castro before the Bay of Pigs Invasion, contradicting other evidence.
2009: Edward M. Kennedy's Burial
Senator Edward M. Kennedy was also buried at night in Arlington National Cemetery in 2009.
2011: The Kennedys
Barry Pepper won an Emmy for his portrayal of Robert F. Kennedy in the 2011 miniseries "The Kennedys."
2016: Jackie
Peter Sarsgaard played Robert F. Kennedy in the 2016 film "Jackie," focusing on Jacqueline Kennedy.
2019: Preservation of Kennedy's Speech in National Recording Registry
In 2019, Robert F. Kennedy's speech following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination was included in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry.
2019: The Irishman
Robert F. Kennedy was portrayed by Jack Huston in Martin Scorsese's 2019 film "The Irishman."