The Legacy of Joe and Rose Kennedy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

The Legacy of Joe and Rose Kennedy - Essay Example Since Rose spend most of her time with her children, she was initially the most influential parent and the children all adopted her moral, Catholic ways. Joseph Kennedy, on the other hand, would earn his influence over his children by amassing the wealth required to build the basis of a family fortune. Joseph Kennedy and the unregulated stock market of the 1920's were made for each other. With nerve and intelligence he ruthlessly manipulated the market and used collaborators and compliant journalists to boost the stock artificially. At its peak, Kennedy sold the stock and reaped the benefits. He told friends that he needed to make this easy money fast - "before they pass a law against it" (Whalen 49).Kennedy moved to Hollywood in 1926, leaving Rose to come with the strains of the household and raising their growing family. Of Hollywood Kennedy told friends, "This place is a gold mine" (Whalen 121). He made another fortune turning out low-budget movies with cast-off stars and plenty of garish publicity. Off-screen Kennedy soon became interested in the most seductive Hollywood actress of them all, Gloria Swanson. In turn, Swanson wante d Kennedy to manage her affairs. Within a short time they became lovers (Whalen 121). This is the start to an interesting trend in Kennedy history, as not all the Kennedy men would remain loyal to their wives, and two of the brothers, Robert and John, would eventually fall in love with the most beautiful actress in Hollywood history-Marilyn Monroe. Whether or not the children knew about the affair, and whether or not it had any influence on their later actions, is difficulty to say. However, it does certainly establish the fact that Kennedy men of both generations would have a soft spot in their... No other political family in history has ever had this much public interest form around them as the Kennedys did, mainly because no other political family has ever been quite as interesting. This essay demonstrates political mystique, that all began with a wedding ceremony, when Joseph Kennedy married Rose Elizabeth Fitzpatrick on October 7, 1914, and through triumph and tragedy they shaped one of this countries most politically prominent families of the 20th century. The Kennedy legacy, that is the main topic of the essay does live on, mostly at the present time through Ted Kennedy, who continues to be active in the Senate and whose legacy reflects upon that of his father’s and brothers’. Ted is also still Catholic, a fact Rose would be proud of. However, the other sons and daughters of Joe and Rose Kennedy certainly also were influenced by their parents, as can be seem in their political drive and acceptance of, or rejection of, the Catholic religion. Rose and Joe hea vily influenced their children, as most parents do, however, they had the money and power to actually forward their children’s careers, which they did. Whether politics was always a Kennedy ambition or only Joe’s ambition is difficult to say, as it seems Joe did want all of his sons to go into politics. Rose’s influence can also be seen in the children, as John Kennedy, for instance, would become the first Catholic President. Therefore, the influence of Rose and Joe Kennedy helped to spur a dynasty of America’s royalty, the Kennedys.