key term - Robert Kennedy

Definition

Robert Kennedy was an American politician and lawyer who served as a U.S. Senator from New York and was a prominent figure in the Democratic Party during the 1960s. He played a significant role in U.S. foreign policy, particularly during the Cuban Missile Crisis, advocating for a balanced approach to Cold War tensions and pushing for diplomacy over military action.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Robert Kennedy was initially appointed as U.S. Attorney General in 1961 under his brother, President John F. Kennedy, where he focused on civil rights and organized crime.
2. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Robert advocated for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing communication with the Soviets to avoid escalation into nuclear war.
3. He emerged as a leading voice for social justice and civil rights, often supporting grassroots movements and marginalized communities.
4. After his brother's assassination in 1963, Robert sought to unite the country and promote healing through his political campaigns.
5. Robert Kennedy was assassinated in June 1968 while campaigning for the presidency, leaving a lasting impact on American politics and society.

Review Questions

• How did Robert Kennedy's role during the Cuban Missile Crisis influence U.S. foreign policy?
  • Robert Kennedy's approach during the Cuban Missile Crisis emphasized diplomacy over military action, advocating for careful communication with the Soviet Union. This stance marked a shift towards a more measured foreign policy, showing that dialogue could be prioritized even in high-stakes situations. His influence helped shape future U.S. responses to international conflicts by promoting negotiation as a key strategy.
• In what ways did Robert Kennedy contribute to the Civil Rights Movement during his time as Attorney General?
  • As Attorney General, Robert Kennedy took significant steps to advance civil rights, supporting legislation that aimed to end segregation and protect voting rights. He worked closely with civil rights leaders and often intervened to protect peaceful demonstrators from violence. His commitment to civil rights reform solidified his reputation as a champion of social justice within the Democratic Party and influenced public attitudes towards racial equality.
• Evaluate the impact of Robert Kennedy's assassination on American political culture in the late 1960s.
  • Robert Kennedy's assassination in 1968 had a profound impact on American political culture, symbolizing the loss of hope and idealism following the assassinations of prominent leaders like his brother John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. It intensified feelings of disillusionment among young Americans and contributed to a growing distrust in government institutions. His death also galvanized social movements, inspiring future generations to continue advocating for change in political and social arenas.

Related terms

Cuban Missile Crisis:

A 13-day confrontation in October 1962 between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba, which brought the world close to nuclear war.

Cold War:

The period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States after World War II, marked by a struggle for global influence and ideologies.

Civil Rights Movement: A decades-long movement aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans, gaining significant momentum during the 1960s.