JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 (Fredrik Logevall) - a podcast by Rob Mellon

Pulitzer Prize winning author and Harvard University historian Dr. Fredrik Logevall covers the early years and eventual rise of John F. Kennedy.  He discusses his father Joseph Kennedy, Sr. and the impact he had on his children.  He challenges some of the myths about Joe Kennedy's contacts to organized crime and questionable business dealings and instead focuses JFK's father as a successful, although ruthless businessman.  Logevall compares demanding fathers of American presidents, Fred Trump and Joe Kennedy.  He explains how Jack Kennedy developed a different philosophy from his father in regards to international relations and how educational trips to the capitals of Europe help shape John Kennedy's worldview.  Dr. Logevall talks about Kennedy's military service and what actually happened with the famous PT-109 incident.  He also covers the controversial topic of Jack Kennedy's womanizing and his relationship with a possible Nazi spy Inga Marie Arvad.  The Congressional elections of 1946 are discussed which included the election of JFK, Nixon and Joseph McCarthy.  He discusses John Kennedy's service in the House and the Senate, and the criticism he receives for his conduct during the McCarthy-era.  He connects JFK's rise in politics and the rise of American power in the world.  He finishes with a discussion on the legacy of John F. Kennedy.

HOST:  Rob Mellon

FEATURED BREW:  Heineken, Heineken International, Amsterdam

BOOK:  JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956
https://www.amazon.com/JFK-Coming-American-Century-1917-1956/dp/0812997131

MUSIC:  Bones Fork
https://bonesfork.com/

Further episodes of History Ago Go

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