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Why Tragedy Has Haunted America's First Family For 150 Years

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The Kennedy Curse: Why Tragedy Has Haunted America's First Family for 150 Years

by Edward Klein

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1500 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages
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A new book by historian and author Edward J. Renehan explores the tragic history of the American presidency, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln to the death of John F. Kennedy.

Renehan argues that there is a pattern of tragedy that has haunted the American presidency for over 150 years. This pattern includes the assassinations of Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and Kennedy, as well as the deaths of Zachary Taylor, Warren G. Harding, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Renehan argues that these tragedies are not simply random events, but rather the result of a number of factors, including the unique pressures of the presidency, the American culture of violence, and the country's history of political instability.

The presidency is a uniquely demanding job. The president is responsible for leading the country, both domestically and internationally. He or she must make decisions that can affect the lives of millions of people. This level of responsibility can take a toll on even the most resilient individuals.

The American culture of violence is another factor that contributes to the tragedy of the presidency. The United States has a long history of violence, dating back to the colonial era. This violence has been reflected in the deaths of several presidents.

Finally, the United States has a history of political instability. The country has been through a number of wars, both domestic and international. These wars have often led to the deaths of presidents.

Renehan's book is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the tragic history of the American presidency. He argues that the pattern of tragedy that has haunted the presidency is the result of a number of factors, including the unique pressures of the job, the American culture of violence, and the country's history of political instability.

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. Lincoln had just attended a performance of the play "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., when Booth shot him in the head.

Lincoln's assassination was a devastating blow to the nation. He was a beloved leader who had guided the country through the Civil War. His death plunged the country into mourning.

The Assassination of James A. Garfield

James A. Garfield was assassinated on July 2, 1881, by Charles J. Guiteau, a mentally disturbed office seeker. Garfield had been in office for just four months when Guiteau shot him in the back.

Garfield's assassination was another tragedy for the nation. He was a promising young leader who had the potential to be a great president.

The Assassination of William McKinley

William McKinley was assassinated on September 6, 1901, by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist. McKinley had been attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, when Czolgosz shot him in the abdomen.

McKinley's assassination was another devastating blow to the nation. He was a popular and successful president who was leading the country into a new era of prosperity.

The Assassination of John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, by Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine. Kennedy had been riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, when Oswald shot him in the head.

Kennedy's assassination was a profound tragedy for the nation. He was a charismatic and popular leader who had inspired a generation of Americans. His death shocked and saddened the world.

Other Tragedies of the Presidency

In addition to the assassinations of Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy, there have been a number of other tragedies that have befallen the American presidency.

Zachary Taylor died of cholera in 1850 after serving just 16 months in office.

Warren G. Harding died of a heart attack in 1923 after serving just two and a half years in office.

Franklin D. Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage in 1945 after serving four terms in office.

These tragedies are a reminder of the fragility of life and the risks that come with the presidency.

Edward J. Renehan's book, "Why Tragedy Has Haunted America's First Family For 150 Years," is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the tragic history of the American presidency.

Renehan argues that the pattern of tragedy that has haunted the presidency is the result of a number of factors, including the unique pressures of the job, the American culture of violence, and the country's history of political instability.

Renehan's book is a valuable contribution to the literature on the American presidency. It is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or the presidency.

The Kennedy Curse: Why Tragedy Has Haunted America's First Family for 150 Years

by Edward Klein

4.4 out of 5