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Eisenhower's Farewell Address Analysis

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Eisenhower's farewell address was delivered in the shadow cast by the passing of the torch from generation to generation. The radiance from that fire did light the path for generations to come and others who succeeding it. First, Dwight D. Eisenhower's farewell address, on Jan. 17, 1961, received moderately little attention at the time only to gather historical significance over the years. Three days later, John F. Kennedy's inaugural address put a spark in the nation and its people for a call to greatness. This historical impact called for the development of democratic freedoms and prosperity throughout the world, and to stand against any efforts by those seeking to weaken human or civil rights. Today, the two speeches offer different sides of the spectrum as the wise words of Eisenhower emphasizes the need to preserve a sound economy and Kennedy calls for nations to unify together to help those of poverty and free them from oppression. Even with the contradicting ideologies of the two speeches, both …show more content…

Kennedy’s inaugural speech had a bigger historical impact because it brought immediate change. Kennedy made a statement that clearly resembled the tone he wanted to set for our nation’s foreign affairs: “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” This evidence shows the willingness that Kennedy had to do whatever it took to preserve and protect civil liberties, and to defend our freedom as well as the freedom of allied nations. With his famous words,” Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.” With these words, Kennedy sparks a sense of nationalism in the hearts of citizens. The well-being of the United States is the primary importance, and the idea that any problem that mankind encounters could be resolved, or at least a solution could be

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