Unpacking the JFK Files: Evidence, Theories, and Historical Context
HP0002
Objective
Students will investigate the recently declassified JFK assassination files, analyze primary source documents, evaluate competing theories, and assess the historical significance of the event and its aftermath. This assignment aims to develop research skills, critical analysis, and an understanding of how history is documented and debated.
Assignment Details
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most scrutinized events in American history. Over the decades, the U.S. government has released thousands of documents related to the assassination, with significant batches declassified as recently as 2021 and 2022. With President Donald Trump’s directive of March 17, 2025, all records previously withheld for classification that are part of the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection are released.
The National Archives has partnered with agencies across the federal government to comply with the President’s directive in support of Executive Order 14176. A new batch of 2,182 PDF documents of varying sizes has been created.
The JFK Task, Part 1
Your task is to dive into these files, explore the official narrative, and examine alternative theories that have emerged over time.
Instructions:
Research Phase (Primary Sources):
Access the National Archives’ online JFK assassination records collection, the documents released as part of Trump’s Executive Order 14176.
Analyze at least three specific documents OR whatever it takes to 25 pages worth of analysis (e.g., CIA memos, FBI reports, Warren Commission testimony).
Summarize their content and note key details such as dates, authors, and intended recipients. You must have at least twenty-five “notes” or annotations, meaning one bullet point summarizing each page of material analyzed.
Notes Format
You will need twenty-five notes in the following format, each analyzing one page at a time. One file may have all twenty-five notes, and it may take twenty-five PDF documents, but you must have twenty-five notes in total.
⛔️You will post your “Notes” to the “JFK Task, Part 1.” Worth 100 points.
File: 104-10003-10041.pdf
Notes, page 1: In the pdf, notes of an article of interest published in Rinascita, an Italian Communist Party Weekly, where Gianfranco Corsimi, a writer (perhaps a journalist), is a US Correspondent for the Italian Communist Press. It is suggested ties between “The Kennedy Murder and the Secret Services of the USA.”
The Task, Part 2 (Next Discussion Board)
Historical Context & Analysis of Evidence
Provide a brief overview (200-300 words) of the political and social climate of the early 1960s, including the Cold War, Kennedy’s presidency, and tensions with Cuba, the Soviet Union, or domestic groups. How might this context shape the documents you’ve chosen?
Use the following:
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, "November 22, 1963: Death of the President."
National Archives and Records Administration, The Warren Commission Report: Report of the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, Chapter 1.
History.com Editors, "Cold War History," History, last updated October 27, 2009.
Prompt
Evaluate the documents you selected. What do they reveal about the official investigation (e.g., the Warren Commission’s conclusions)? Do they support or challenge the “lone gunman” theory involving Lee Harvey Oswald
Identify any gaps, redactions, or ambiguities in the files. Why might these exist?
⛔️You will post your “Historical Context & Analysis of Evidence” to the “JFK Task, Part 2.” Worth 20 points. You MUST post this to receive the points for the third post.
Theories and Debate
Research one alternative theory about the assassination (e.g., CIA involvement, Mafia connections, or a second shooter). Use credible secondary sources (books, articles, or documentaries) to outline the theory.
Compare this theory to the evidence in your chosen documents. Does it hold up, or does it seem speculative?
Reflection
In 300-400 words, reflect on the significance of the JFK files you analyzed.
What do they add to the study of the assassination?
What do the declassified files tell us about transparency, trust in government, or the nature of historical truth?
What questions do you have based on the files you’ve analyzed?
⛔️You will post your “Reflection” to the “JFK Task, Part 2.” Worth 100 points.
Grading Criteria
Depth of Research (40%): Use specific, relevant JFK files and make detailed notes on the sources. The sources must be unique to you and not the same as any other student.
Analysis (40%): Critical engagement with evidence and theories, not just summary.
Contextual Understanding (10%): Clear connection(s) between the files and the 1960s historical landscape.
Clarity and Structure (10%): Well-organized, coherent writing with proper citations.
Due Date: See the appropriate discussion boards on Canvas.
Submission: Directly post to the discussion board.