How Robert F. Kennedy Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Robert F. Kennedy—a timeline of influence.

Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) was a prominent American politician and lawyer. He served as the 64th U.S. 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. Like his brothers, John and Ted, RFK was a key figure in the Democratic Party and a symbol of modern American liberalism.

Sections (6)

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

1963: John F. Kennedy Assassination Conspiracy Theories

In 1963, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, similar to Robert Kennedy's death, became a subject of conspiracy theories.

April 4, 1968: Indianapolis Speech Quoting Aeschylus

On April 4, 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Kennedy quoted Aeschylus in his Indianapolis speech, finding solace in ancient Greek playwrights and poets.

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 to honor Kennedy's legacy and recognize human rights activists through an international award program.

1968: Revelation of Wiretapping of King

In 1968, days before Kennedy's death, the wiretapping of Martin Luther King Jr. was revealed.

1968: Impact on the Democratic Party's Loss

Kennedy's death in 1968 is considered a significant factor in the Democratic Party's loss of the presidential election that year. Since his death, Kennedy has gained respect from liberals and conservatives alike.

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

In 1969, a group of private citizens launched the Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization to aid abused and neglected children.

1969: Publication of Thirteen Days

Robert Kennedy's account of the Cuban Missile Crisis, titled Thirteen Days, was published posthumously in 1969.

Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis

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1971: Publication of We Band of Brothers

In his 1971 book We Band of Brothers, aide Edwin O. Guthman recounted Kennedy admitting to him 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.

We Band of Brothers

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1974: Community Development Corporations Spring Up Across the Country

By 1974, the Bedford–Stuyvesant project had become a prototype for community development corporations that sprang up across the country. There were 34 federally funded and 75 privately funded corporations.

1974: The Missiles of October TV Play

In 1974, Martin Sheen dramatized Kennedy's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis in the TV play "The Missiles of October".

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1998: Robert F. Kennedy Silver Dollar Released

In 1998, the United States Mint released the Robert F. Kennedy silver dollar, featuring Kennedy's image and emblems of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Senate.

2000: Thirteen Days film

In 2000, Steven Culp portrayed Kennedy in the film "Thirteen Days", dramatizing his role in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

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2000: Biography by Evan Thomas

In 2000, biographer Evan Thomas concluded that Kennedy, despite misusing his powers at times by "modern standards", was "on the whole, even counting his warts, he was a great attorney general."

2006: Bobby film released

In 2006, the film "Bobby" was released, portraying the lives of multiple people leading up to Kennedy's assassination, using stock footage from his campaign.

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2011: The Kennedys miniseries

In 2011, Barry Pepper won an Emmy for his portrayal of Kennedy in "The Kennedys", an eight-part miniseries.

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2016: Jackie film

In 2016, Peter Sarsgaard played Kennedy in the film about Jacqueline Kennedy, "Jackie".

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2019: The Irishman film

In 2019, Jack Huston played Kennedy in Martin Scorsese's film "The Irishman".

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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." (April 4, 1968) was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry.