Robert F. Kennedy

Overview

Robert Francis Kennedy, commonly known as RFK, was an American politician and lawyer who played a pivotal role in shaping modern American liberalism. Born on November 20, 1925, in Brookline, Massachusetts, he was the seventh child in the influential Kennedy family. His life was marked by significant political and social contributions until his untimely assassination on June 6, 1968.

Main Milestones

Birth

November 20, 1925

Robert Francis Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, to Rose and Joseph P. Kennedy, as the seventh of nine children in a closely knit and competitive family.

Service in the U.S. Navy

1942-1946

Kennedy interrupted his studies at Harvard University to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He returned to Harvard after the war and graduated in 1948.

Law Degree

1951

Kennedy received a law degree from the University of Virginia Law School, which marked the beginning of his legal and political career.

Assistant Counsel to the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations

1953-1954

Kennedy served as an assistant counsel to the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, initially under Joseph R. McCarthy. He resigned in mid-1953 due to disagreements with McCarthy's tactics but returned in 1954 as counsel to the Democratic minority.

Chief Counsel to the Senate Select Committee on Labor Racketeering

1957

Kennedy became chief counsel to the Senate select committee investigating labor racketeering, which led to a long-standing feud with James R. Hoffa of the Teamsters Union.

U.S. Attorney General

1961-1964

Kennedy was appointed attorney general by his brother, President John F. Kennedy. During his tenure, he launched a successful drive against organized crime and became increasingly committed to civil rights, advocating for African Americans' rights to vote, attend integrated schools, and use public accommodations.

U.S. Senator

1965-1968

Kennedy served as a U.S. senator from New York, initiating projects such as assistance to underprivileged children and students with disabilities, and the establishment of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation to improve living conditions and employment opportunities in Brooklyn.

Break with the Johnson Administration on Vietnam

1966

Kennedy publicly broke with the Johnson administration over the conduct of the Vietnam War, proposing participation by all sides, including the Viet Cong's political arm, in the political life of South Vietnam.

Presidential Candidacy

1968

Kennedy announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination, gaining popularity for his advocacy for labor movements and civil rights. His campaign was cut short by his assassination.

Assassination

June 6, 1968

Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles, California, while campaigning for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.