The Kennedys: The Curse of Power

They are the most famous political family in America, synonymous with 20th century American culture and history. They have collectively reached the highest seats of power, and governed the nation in the Oval Office, the Senate and the House of Representatives. But their blessings are matched by their sorrows. The Kennedys are a family racked by tragedy. Murder, accidents, tragedy and mental illness have plagued the family throughout the 20th century. In 1969, after an accident in which a young woman died, Ted Kennedy articulated the idea of a family curse. Although he later dismissed his statement, the legend of a curse remains. The tragic deaths of some of the younger members of the family add to the myth. Are the Kennedy's a cursed family? Have they paid a price for their fame, wealth and fortune? Or are they a family whose high visibility and reckless bravado invite tragedy? The Kennedys: The Curse of Power would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, Political Science and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES

Students will explore the political and cultural influence of the Kennedy family on 20th century America. They will examine how the fame, power and wealth of the Kennedys has been matched by devastating tragedy. They will also consider the relationship of the Kennedys with the American public and the mystique of the Kennedys.

• acumen
• animosity
• avenge
• catatonic
• culminate
• cultivate
• extrovert
• flaunt
• humiliate
• invulnerable
• obliterate
• philanderer
• potent
• prestigious
• scion
• stoicism
• vigil

1. The Kennedy family is part of American history. How is this family woven into the fabric of American life and culture?

2. The Kennedy family is a reflection of America itself. Discuss how the Kennedys are a symbol of America at its best and America at its worst.

3. Evaluate the statement "heroic people have heroic flaws." How does this apply to the Kennedys?

4. The Kennedys are a family that has been dominated by powerful men. Who was the patriarch of the modern Kennedy family? How did he achieve his fame and power?

5. In the early years of the 20th century, the Boston Brahmins shunned the Kennedys. Who were the Boston Brahmins? Why did they look down on the Kennedy family?

6. What were the origins of the Kennedy family fortune?

7. How did the anti-Catholicism of the early 20th century affect Joseph P. Kennedy?

8. Joseph P. Kennedy was Machiavellian in his financial and political dealings. What does this term mean?

9. Joseph P. Kennedy was a staunch isolationist, believing the United States should not become involved in World War II. How did this position damage his political career?

10. Discuss the price the Kennedys paid for US involvement in World War II.

11. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. died in a plane crash on a mission in World War II. How did his death determine the path of his younger brother, John F. Kennedy?

12. Kathleen Kennedy earned the displeasure of her parents. Why?

13. Rosemary Kennedy had some developmental problems. How did the Kennedy family deal with this?

14. Discuss John F. Kennedy's service record.

15. Discuss the role of image in the Kennedy family's lives.

16. John F. Kennedy became president of the United States in 1960. Discuss the role of television in the political debates between Kennedy and his opponent, Richard Nixon.

17. What was the "Kennedy mystique?"

18. Robert F. Kennedy was also a politician. Discuss his role in American history.

19. How was Robert Kennedy different than his brothers John or Ted?

20. John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. How did his death affect his brother Robert?

21. Why didn't Ted Kennedy ever become president?

22. How has the "Kennedy curse" touched the members of the younger generation?

23. In 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr. died in a plane crash. Why was there such an outpouring of emotion? Why was the country so saddened by his death?

1. Create a timeline that illustrates the major events in the Kennedy family's history.

2. Design a memorial for one of the Kennedys who died in tragic circumstances.

3. Interview your parents, grandparents or older friends or relatives who were alive in 1963. What do they remember of the John F. Kennedy assassination? How did they react? How did the country react? Do they remember what they were doing at the moment they found out about the assassination?

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