Did John F. Kennedy Admire Hitler in His Youth?

There is no substantial evidence to suggest that John F. Kennedy admired Adolf Hitler during his youth. While Kennedy, like many individuals of his time, was exposed to a range of political ideas and figures, his public and private statements later in life reflect a strong opposition to fascism and totalitarian regimes. This piece explores this intriguing topic and delves into the evidence, both historical and modern, that supports and challenges the notion of JFK's admiration for Hitler.

The Lack of Substantial Evidence

Despite the anti-Nazi attitudes of post-war America, some biographies and analyses of Kennedy's early life do explore his familial political connections and the broader societal attitudes of the time. However, no credible information indicates that he held any admiration for Hitler. This article will review the available evidence to support this claim.

The Historical Context

During Kennedy's Harvard days, he wrote a thesis on appeasement policies, which could be interpreted as a critique of the Western democracies' failures in the face of Nazi expansion. His later actions as a political leader, notably during World War II and the Cold War, consistently demonstrated a commitment to democratic values and a strong opposition to Nazi ideology.

Family Ties and Societal Attitudes

People often assume that a family's stance during major historical events can influence an individual's views. Joe Kennedy, JFK's father, had ties to Ireland, which stayed neutral in World War II. There were also historical ties between Germany and Ireland from World War I. Robert Casey, a great humanitarian, was executed for treason after seeking German support for Irish independence. However, this neutrality and the historical context do not necessarily imply support for Hitler or Nazism.

JFK's Own Perspective

JFK's personal diaries and words reflect his broader skepticism and criticism of Hitler. A 1945 entry in his diary stated, 'It is true that monster like Hitler will exist and can do tremendous damage to the world. Although I don’t admire him, I can see why there is a momentary attraction and why it’s so easy to become a mindless follower.' This shows that while he did not approve of Hitler's actions, he acknowledged aspects of Hitler that fascinated many people.

Auction of JFK's Diary

In 2017, a diary entry by JFK, stating "Hitler had 'the stuff of which legends are made,' " from his post-World War II trip through Europe, was put up for auction. This statement seems to reflect an acknowledgment of Hitler's historical significance, rather than admiration. The entry suggests a fascination with the perceived charisma and potential impact of the controversial figure, which can be seen as a reflection of JFK's analytical and critical perspective.

Modern Interpretations and Critiques

Contemporary interpretations of JFK and his legacy vary widely. Some maintain that JFK was overly romanticized, praising his father and his family's connections to organized crime. Others appreciate his commitment to democratic values and foreign policy efforts, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Regardless of these critiques, it is clear from the available evidence that JFK's public and personal statements reflect a strong opposition to fascism and totalitarianism. His analysis of Hitler in his diary and during his studies shows a cognitive understanding of the destructive nature of such ideologies, even if he recognized aspects that attracted people. This nuanced perspective helps to paint a more accurate and complete picture of JFK's views on the subject during his formative years.

Conclusion

The key takeaway is that despite the historical complexity and the potential for family influence, there is no credible evidence to suggest that John F. Kennedy admired Hitler in his youth. His later actions and statements cement this view, showing a deep understanding of the dangers of totalitarianism and a firm commitment to democratic principles.