Date of Award
12-1993
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Helenan S. Robin
Second Advisor
Dr. Chet Rogers
Third Advisor
Dr. Larry Ziring
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Assassination has been a constant companion of the world's societies from the beginning of recorded history. Only relatively recently have social scientists begun empirical study of these acts in an effort to reveal any commonalties and possible predictive traits. Investigation of the assassination phenomenon assumed a special urgency in America as violence seemed to escalate in the 1960s, which resulted in some notable research.
The present research collected data of presidential and non-presidential assassinations and attempts that occurred from 1969 through 1992 and compared the findings with the results of earlier studies.
The data indicate that presidential assaults increased in frequency from 1969 through 1992 and that those attacks continued to be perpetrated by individuals seeking to solve their respective problems via symbolic use of the presidency. The data further reveal that non-presidential assassination differed in several respects from presidential events and was remarkably more lethal.
Recommended Citation
Grossenbacher, Richard, "Assassination in Modern America: Political Participation through a Gun Barrel?" (1993). Masters Theses. 783.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/783