Assassination and Its Aftermath: How a Photograph Reassured a Shocked Nation

Captured History

by Don Nardo

The world was shocked and frightened when President John F. Kennedy was gunned down by an assassins bullet in 1963. What would happen to the government of the most powerful nation on Earth? When Kennedys vice president, Lyndon Baines Johnson, took the presidential oath of office on Air Force One just hours after the assassination, the White House photographer was there. Cecil Stoughtons iconic photo showed the world that the smooth and orderly transfer of power called for in the U.S. Constitution had occurred. His photo helped ease the shock, tension, and fear in an anxious country.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Death

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

Don Nardo (born February 22, 1947) is an American historian, composer, and writer. With close to four hundred and fifty published books, he is one of the most prolific authors in the United States, and one of the country's foremost writers of historical works for children and teens.

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some titles that I'm more invested in than others. I had stopped reading a few of them to read other things, but this one I couldn't pass up. I liked that the focus was actually on Cecil Stroughton himself- literally the first White House photographer because of the youth of the White House when JFK was in office lent itself to great photography. The fact that it wasn't about the tragedy but the capable hands of a vice president wanting to make sure that the country was taken care of alongside his wife and the wife of the slain president aboard Air Force 1 was significant and impactful (especially knowing she was still in her stained dress and JFK casket had been brought on board-- Jackie actually sat alongside it the entire plane right back to Washington, DC).

It was about the collision of lives, the politics, and the players to make a penultimate tale of history with Stroughton being in the middle. What a legacy to leave behind.

[Sara Jasinski]

Quick read, but an interesting look at little know part of one of our most significant national tragedies.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy the books in this Captured History series, based on events that were frozen in time through a photograph. In this case the memorable photograph is not the actual 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy or even its immediate aftermath, but one showing Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office for the Presidency aboard Air Force One with the president's widow and his own wife by his side. Taken by Cecil Stoughton, who was the official photographer for the White House, the photograph reassured the nation's citizens that despite the disturbing events of the day, the nation was still in good hands and that the order of succession was being followed. The book contains details and background information about all of the main players in the events that occurred on that day as well as information about how Stoughton snapped the photo. The book and the photo would be excellent for history, social studies or writing classes.

[Barbara Ayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Captured History series views history through ground breaking photographs. This book features the iconic image of Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in as our thirty-sixth President aboard Air Fore One, with Jackie Kennedy by his side. As official White House Photographer, Cecil Stoughton had followed the Kennedys from the beginning of the day in Dallas, with their arrival at Love Field, to Parkland Hospital. This photograph has become a reminder to Americans that 'even in the midst of a national tragedy and potential political crisis, the U.S. Constitution provides the means for the peaceful transfer of power." The reading level is geared to grades 6 through 9. This book includes a glossary, source notes, bibliography and is chock full of stirring images of both JFK and Lyndon Johnson.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecil Stoughton is a name that many do not know, yet everyone knows of his work. He was the photographer who captured the famous image of the swearing in of Lyndon B. Johnson on Air Force One, hours after the assassination of J.F.K. That snapshot became iconic the moment it was released; helping to calm a frantic nation. This book gives insight into the lives of the four people who were responsible for that moment (Cecil Stoughton, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Lee Harvey Oswald) and several key events leading to it. Stoughton was the first presidential photographer and was responsible for many of the poignant images taken of the Kennedy family during his time in office. An interesting read for intermediate age students to adults interested in or covering U.S. History.

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible that a book is dedicated to one photo. It tells the story of all four people from birth until the end for each.

Well written without overly simplistic this iconic photo which invokes strong emotion in so many is explained to the next generations.

I will have to try more in this series to see if they hold up.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review here: https://darlingilovebooks.blogspot.co...

I love the awe that surrounds the Kennedy family and I love reading about them. This book focuses on the iconic photograph that was taken, what happened prior to it be taken, and what happened after. Great book that includes common core connections in the back.

[Jazzmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. It is simply written, but well written and so engaging. I've always had an interest in the JFK assassination. I have seen this iconic photograph so many times, but to learn the specific history behind it through this book has been amazing.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that as an adult, I found this book fascinating. There were numerous things that I learned re: the Kennedy assassination. The book is a photographic history of the assassination prior and after, but then gives concise, easy for children to understand text.

[Tjohnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting account centered around the iconic photograph of Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It contained many interesting historical facts. I look forward to reading other books in this series.

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle grade level non-fiction account about the iconic American photograph of LBJ's swearing-in on Airforce One and the White House/Presidential photographer that took the photo.

[pati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent first look at the events that ended in a tumultuous day.

[Vi · Rating 3 out of 5]

light read. maybe for a media studies class.

[Rebecca Bacino · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a short picture book with little to no new information. You can read the whole thing in about 20 minutes

[April Suter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honoring a photographer who got the moment on camera as President Johnson was sworn in.