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Joseph Kennedy: The Mastermind Behind America's Most Powerful Dynasty

Ian McEwan

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Published in The Sins Of The Father: Joseph P Kennedy And The Dynasty He Founded

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Joseph P. Kennedy was a self-made millionaire, a ruthless political boss, and the patriarch of America's most powerful political dynasty. His sons included President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy. His daughter, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics. And his grandchildren have continued to play a major role in American politics and public life.

The Sins of the Father: Joseph P. Kennedy and the Dynasty He Founded

by Ronald Kessler

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Joseph Kennedy was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant strategist and a skilled negotiator. But he was also ruthless and ambitious, and he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals. His life story is a fascinating and cautionary tale about the power of family, ambition, and wealth.

Early Life and Career

Joseph Patrick Kennedy was born on September 6, 1888, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of Irish immigrants Patrick Joseph Kennedy and Mary Augusta Hickey. Kennedy's father was a successful businessman and politician, and he instilled in his son a strong work ethic and a love of politics.

Kennedy attended Boston College and Harvard University. After graduating from Harvard, he worked as a bank examiner and then as a stockbroker. In 1914, he married Rose Fitzgerald, the daughter of Boston Mayor John F. Fitzgerald.

Kennedy quickly made a fortune in the stock market. He also became involved in politics, and in 1916, he was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate. In 1924, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Political Career

Kennedy was a rising star in the Democratic Party. In 1932, he was appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to be the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In 1934, he was appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom.

As ambassador, Kennedy was a close advisor to President Roosevelt. He also played a key role in the negotiations that led to the United States' entry into World War II.

After the war, Kennedy returned to the United States and resumed his political career. In 1946, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He served in the Senate until 1960, when he retired due to ill health.

The Kennedy Dynasty

Joseph Kennedy was a devoted father and husband. He and Rose had nine children: John, Joseph Jr., Robert, Edward, Jean, Patricia, Eunice, Rosemary, and Kathleen.

Kennedy's children were all raised in a wealthy and privileged environment. They attended the best schools and had access to the best opportunities. Kennedy instilled in his children a strong sense of family and a commitment to public service.

Several of Kennedy's children went on to have successful careers in politics and public life. John F. Kennedy was elected president of the United States in 1960. Robert F. Kennedy served as attorney general and later as a U.S. senator. Edward M. Kennedy served as a U.S. senator for 47 years. Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics.

The Kennedy family is one of the most powerful and influential families in American history. They have played a major role in American politics and public life for over a century.

Joseph Kennedy was a self-made millionaire, a ruthless political boss, and the patriarch of America's most powerful political dynasty. He was a brilliant strategist and a skilled negotiator. But he was also ruthless and ambitious, and he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals. His life story is a fascinating and cautionary tale about the power of family, ambition, and wealth.

The Sins of the Father: Joseph P. Kennedy and the Dynasty He Founded

by Ronald Kessler

4.4 out of 5