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How John F. Kennedy Fell for the Lost Cause

As a young boy growing up in Massachusetts, I was fascinated by the Kennedys. I read everything I could get my hands on about their lives and careers. One thing that always intrigued me was John F. Kennedy’s love of history, particularly the Civil War.

Kennedy was a voracious reader, and he spent countless hours studying the Civil War. He was particularly drawn to the stories of the Confederate generals, men like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Kennedy admired their courage and determination, and he often said that he wished he had been alive to fight for the Confederacy.

The Lost Cause Myth

The Lost Cause myth was a narrative created by white Southerners after the Civil War to justify their defeat. The myth portrayed the Confederacy as a noble cause, fought by brave men who were defending their homes and way of life. It also downplayed the issue of slavery, claiming that it was not the primary reason for the war.

The Lost Cause myth was a powerful force in American history. It helped to shape the way that the Civil War was remembered and taught in schools. It also contributed to the rise of white supremacy and segregation in the South.

Kennedy and the Lost Cause

Kennedy was not immune to the allure of the Lost Cause myth. He grew up in a family that had strong ties to the South, and he was exposed to the myth from an early age. Kennedy’s father, Joseph P. Kennedy, was a wealthy businessman who had made his fortune in the shipping industry. He was also a supporter of the Confederacy, and he often expressed his admiration for the Confederate generals.

Kennedy’s mother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, was also a supporter of the Confederacy. She was the daughter of John F. Fitzgerald, a prominent Irish-American politician who had served as mayor of Boston. Fitzgerald was a strong supporter of the Confederacy, and he often spoke out against the Union.

Kennedy’s parents’ views on the Civil War had a profound impact on him. He grew up believing that the Confederacy was a noble cause, and he admired the Confederate generals. This belief stayed with him throughout his life, and it influenced his views on race and civil rights.

Kennedy’s Legacy

Kennedy’s love of the Lost Cause myth had a significant impact on his presidency. He was often reluctant to take action on civil rights, and he sometimes made statements that seemed to support the myth. For example, in a speech to the Mississippi legislature in 1961, Kennedy said that he believed in the “separate but equal” doctrine. This doctrine, which was established by the Supreme Court in the Plessy v. Ferguson case, allowed states to segregate public facilities.

Kennedy’s support for the Lost Cause myth also influenced his foreign policy. He was reluctant to criticize the white-ruled government of South Africa, and he refused to meet with Nelson Mandela, the leader of the African National Congress. Mandela was a strong opponent of apartheid, the system of racial segregation that was in place in South Africa at the time.

Kennedy’s legacy is a complex one. He was a brilliant politician and a charismatic leader, but he was also a product of his time. His love of the Lost Cause myth shaped his views on race and civil rights, and it had a significant impact on his presidency.

I believe that it is important to remember Kennedy’s legacy, both the good and the bad. He was a great leader who made many important contributions to our country, but he was also a flawed man who made some serious mistakes. By understanding his legacy, we can learn from his mistakes and build a better future for all Americans.

Tips for Understanding the Lost Cause Myth

The Lost Cause myth is a complex and nuanced topic. Here are a few tips for understanding it:

• Read books and articles about the Lost Cause myth. There is a wealth of information available on this topic, and it is important to read as much as you can in order to get a full understanding of it.
• Talk to people who have different perspectives on the Lost Cause myth. It is important to hear from people who have different perspectives on this topic in order to get a well-rounded understanding of it.
• Be critical of your own beliefs. It is important to be critical of your own beliefs about the Lost Cause myth. Make sure that your beliefs are based on facts and evidence, not on emotion or prejudice.

By following these tips, you can gain a better understanding of the Lost Cause myth and its impact on American history.

FAQ on the Lost Cause Myth

Q: What is the Lost Cause myth?

A: The Lost Cause myth is a narrative created by white Southerners after the Civil War to justify their defeat. The myth portrays the Confederacy as a noble cause, fought by brave men who were defending their homes and way of life. It also downplays the issue of slavery, claiming that it was not the primary reason for the war.

Q: How did the Lost Cause myth influence John F. Kennedy?

A: Kennedy grew up in a family that had strong ties to the South, and he was exposed to the myth from an early age. Kennedy’s parents were both supporters of the Confederacy, and they often expressed their admiration for the Confederate generals. Kennedy’s views on race and civil rights were influenced by his belief in the Lost Cause myth.

Q: What is the legacy of the Lost Cause myth?

A: The Lost Cause myth is a powerful force in American history. It helped to shape the way that the Civil War was remembered and taught in schools. It also contributed to the rise of white supremacy and segregation in the South. The Lost Cause myth continues to influence American politics and culture today.

Are you interested in learning more about the Lost Cause myth?

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