Ep 2. The Path to Power

In the second episode of American Dynasties: The Kennedys season 1, titled "The Path to Power," viewers are taken on a journey through the early years of the Kennedy family's rise to political prominence.

Through interviews with historians, family members, and political insiders, the episode explores the family's early years in Boston and their gradual ascent to power and influence. Led by patriarch Joe Kennedy Sr., the family first made a name for themselves in business and finance, accruing vast wealth and connections through Joe's various ventures.

The episode delves into the family's earliest forays into politics, with Joe Kennedy Sr. using his wealth and influence to help advance the careers of his sons. We see how John F. Kennedy's successful run for Congress in 1946 was largely backed by his father's fortune, and how both Robert and Edward Kennedy quickly followed in their older brother's footsteps.

The episode also touches on the darker side of the Kennedy family's early years, including Joe Kennedy Sr.'s controversial public statements and connections to organized crime, as well as the tragic deaths of several family members.

Nevertheless, the family's path to power continued, as both John and Robert Kennedy went on to occupy high positions in the government, with John being elected president in 1960 and Robert serving as his Attorney General.

Overall, "The Path to Power" offers a fascinating glimpse into the early years of one of America's most prominent political dynasties, charting their rise from humble beginnings to the height of political and social influence.