The Patriarch by David Nasaw
- 1. The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. by David Nasaw is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of one of America's most intriguing and controversial figures. This meticulously researched work presents a vivid portrait of Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., the father of President John F. Kennedy and a key player in American politics and business during the 20th century. Nasaw explores Kennedy's early life, his rise to prominence in the world of finance, and his pivotal roles in Hollywood and politics, outlining his complex relationships with his family and the social landscape of the time. The book not only chronicles Kennedy's successes, including his role as the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, but also his failures and scandals, including accusations of bootlegging and his complicated views on appeasement in the lead-up to World War II. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and historical context, Nasaw paints a nuanced picture of Kennedy as both a visionary leader and a flawed patriarch, whose legacy continues to impact American culture and politics today.
How many children did Joseph and Rose Kennedy have?
A) Five
B) Eleven
C) Nine
D) Seven
- 2. Which Kennedy son was killed in World War II?
A) Edward Kennedy
B) John F. Kennedy
C) Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.
D) Robert F. Kennedy
- 3. What was Joseph Kennedy's stance toward Nazi Germany before WWII?
A) Remained neutral
B) Supported appeasement
C) Supported communism as alternative
D) Advocated immediate war
- 4. What was Kennedy's role in the Securities and Exchange Commission?
A) First chairman
B) Never served there
C) Legal counsel
D) Deputy director
- 5. How did Nasaw characterize Kennedy's relationship with his children?
A) Casual and permissive
B) Demanding and ambitious for them
C) Distant and uninvolved
D) Strictly religious focus
- 6. What caused Kennedy's recall as ambassador to Britain?
A) Isolationist views and controversial statements
B) Financial scandal
C) Health problems
D) Requested transfer
- 7. How did Kennedy build his initial fortune?
A) Manufacturing patents
B) Real estate development
C) Stock market and banking
D) Oil discoveries
- 8. What political party did Joseph Kennedy support?
A) Switched parties frequently
B) Independent
C) Republican
D) Democratic
- 9. Which president appointed Kennedy to his ambassadorship?
A) Herbert Hoover
B) Harry Truman
C) Franklin D. Roosevelt
D) Calvin Coolidge
- 10. What health challenge did Joseph Kennedy face later in life?
A) Cancer
B) Alzheimer's disease
C) Severe stroke
D) Heart disease
- 11. Which son became Attorney General?
A) John F. Kennedy
B) Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.
C) Robert F. Kennedy
D) Edward Kennedy
- 12. What was Kennedy's role in the Maritime Commission?
A) Never served
B) Junior member
C) Chairman
D) Legal advisor
- 13. Which university did Joseph Kennedy attend?
A) Harvard
B) Boston College
C) Princeton
D) Yale
- 14. What was Rose Kennedy's background?
A) New York socialite
B) Midwestern farm family
C) Boston political family
D) European aristocracy
- 15. What industry did Kennedy profit from during Prohibition?
A) Liquor importing
B) Oil drilling
C) Banking
D) Automobile manufacturing
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