Bobby Kennedy (Robert Francis Kennedy) was born on 20th of November 1925 in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the seventh child in the family of J.P Kennedy Sr. and Rose F. Kennedy. Bobby Kennedy was the younger brother to the 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy, and he served as the U.S. Attorney General and the New York Senator from 1965 to 1968. In the Second World War, the politician served in the U.S. Navy. In 1946, he served as a trainee sailor on the shakedown cruise. Bobby Kennedy graduated from Harvard in 1948 where his father and brothers used to study earlier. Later, he studied law at the University of Virginia and took his law degree in 1951. Kennedy married Ethel Skakel in 1950 and had eleven children.
Bobby Kennedy plays an important role in American history. In 1951, he started working in the U.S. Department of Justice as a lawyer. In 1952, he managed the U.S. Senate election campaign of his elder brother, John. He also worked as the assistant counsel for the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He remains a key figure in the history of the United States, as he worked as the Chief Counsel to the Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in the Labor or Management Field, in 1950’s. Bobby Kennedy received national attention as he investigated corruption in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Recognition of Bobby Kennedy in the United States history began following his appointment as the USA 64th Attorney General. Major policies, set during his term as the Attorney General, related to handling corruption in labor unions, eliminating cases of mobsters, and organized crime activities. Some of the successful and notable cases that Bobby handled include the Jimmy Hoffa’s conviction of jury tampering and fraud. During his service as the U.S. attorney, the conviction of the organized crime significantly increased by a large percentage. This fact often led to disagreements with the then FBI head John Edgar Hoover.
In addition, Bobby was also an active advocate of civil rights for the African Americans. In 1962, Bobby Kennedy oversaw the enforcement of the U.S. Supreme Court order that sought to admit the first Black student to the University of Mississippi. The politician also worked on the 1964 Civil Rights Act that outlawed any type of racial discrimination. Bobby also made trips to the apartheid inhabitants of South Africa to champion for the improvement of civil and human rights in the region and world as a whole. He worked persistently in order to improve the plight of the African Americans. Many of the Acts that were passed during his tenure were inspired by his passion and determination in the way he handled the work at the Attorney General Office. This led Americans to call him one of the most liberal politicians in the history of America. During his service as the attorney general, he fought for the desegregation in the U.S. Government and Departments. In addition, Bobby Kennedy’s success came with his support and involvement in the Freedom Rides of 1960’s. He ensured that Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other freedom riders, received their demand during the Anniston bus bombing. This event aimed at protecting and securing the safety of the riders.
During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Bobby Kennedy’s diplomatic and liberal roles played out, as he participated in key foreign policy decisions. His views on the Vietnam War that supported the anti-Vietnam military aggression showed his commitment to civil rights ideas and movements. The activist played a central role in the negotiations between the members of the governments of the Soviet Union and the United States. His role helped ease the tensions existing between the two countries, preventing the war. He played a critical role and displayed his skills of diplomacy. He also has served as an advisor to his brother President J.F Kennedy for few years.
In 1968, Bobby Kennedy started his bid for presidency where he announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential primaries. Bobby Kennedy did not live long and died the day after the 5th of June 1968 at the age of only 42 years. He was assassinated after he had won the California Presidential Primary. The roles he played while serving as the United States Senator and his role as a presidential candidate place him at an important position in the history of America. His speeches showed his commitment to improving equality across all races in the United States. This intention was visible in all areas of life from social justice to foreign policy and relations.
The other reason why Bobby Kennedy remains an influential figure in the American History originates from believes that he was the only politician capable of uniting the Americans. The reason for this popular conviction was the fact that almost all citizens were eager to accept him and his policies due to his integrity and undivided devotion to civil rights. These policies were essential after the shooting of the activist Martin Luther King Jr.
Bobby is also a famous historical figure in the U.S. history due to the power and influence he had while serving as the Attorney General. He had wide influence on crucial areas of policy administration. This made him the major political advisor and closest counsel of the President John F. Kennedy. When being the President’s counsel, Bobby played a pivotal role in the Berlin calamity and disorders of 1961. This event enabled Bobby to communicate and deliver vital dialogue between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The negotiations, in turn, enabled the Soviet Union to set up a summit in Vienna.
In a nutshell, Robert Francis ‘Bobby’ Kennedy remains a key historical figure in the history of the United States. His believes in a just and equal society, the passion he had on civil liberties and civil rights, and the roles he played as the 64th U.S. Attorney have made Bobby Kennedy occupy a central place in the American history. Bobby Kennedy remains an influential figure due to his commitment to justice and equality, civil rights and liberties of all citizens.