Throughout the course of human civilization, there has been a need for a leader to rally up a nation during desperate times. During the early 60s, America was faced with numerous challenges, the threat from Russia, the war at Vietnam, and also the poverty problem that occurs within the country. Despite all this, John F. Kennedy, a man who was born within one of the most depressed moment in American history, had united and guided his country thought the crisis. When Kennedy was elected as the 35th President of the United States, he was to deliver a speech in front of the world during his inauguration. Instead of giving a typical speech where he could tell people what he could do, he declared his ambitions to achieve peace with other nations …show more content…
He mentioned the war that was happening in Vietnam and the cold war with Russia, “And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe.”(“1961-01-20 Inaugural Address”). This part of the speech introduce the fact that countries like Vietnam and Russia still exist and citizens at those countries are still fighting for independence and freedom. It is possible to see that Kennedy would like to encourage democracy in those countries; however, his main priority was to maintain peace with those nations as it is shown in his speech, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes…support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”(“1961-01-20 Inaugural Address”). On the other hand, Kennedy also expressed his view towards the domestic problem of America, “For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.”(“1961-01-20 Inaugural Address”). This clearly shows that he had a plan to purge the poverty that was happening in America, and it is achieve by both the government and the citizens. Overall, Kennedy hit most of the major issues that was concerning his citizens during his speech through a powerful
Throughout president John F Kennedy 's inaugural address speech he presents several emotional appeals to convey his feelings towards the American people. The purpose of Kennedy 's Inaugural Address speech was to inform the people of what his intentions were for the future of this country. Since this speech was based on his intentions for the future of his country, a sense of trust needed to be established between him and the people, he accomplished this by applying emotional appeals to his speech. President John F Kennedy charged up his speech by making sure he built bridges between him and the people. Through his speech, he capitalized on change, not only for America alone but for the globe itself. Since this time was not a time of peace, where war, inequality, racism was transpiring, President kennedy included numerous lines of hope, that could have potentially been used to persuade the audience to strongly believe in what he was communicating with them. He mentions “For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty…”(Kennedy para2) ,relating to all people of lower class, providing them a sense of hope in which they could look forward to. John F Kennedy then continues by summarizing that it is time for America to shape its own future and that the people as a whole can overcome any obstacle that is bestowed upon them. People at this time found these words very
President John F. Kennedys Inaugural Address occurred on January 20, 1961 in Washington D.C. His main goal in the speech was to unify the entire human race and to make the world a better place. The President
Kennedy, like Abraham Lincoln, mentioned the struggles of others and need to show compassion in his “Inaugural Address”. However, Kennedy decided to focus more on America and the other countries of the world, as opposed to individuals and their own issues. In his speech, Kennedy explained that there are still countries that have not yet advanced, where the people are living “in huts and villages… [and are] struggling to break the bonds of mass misery [and that America] pledges [their] best effort to help them” (Kennedy). This shows that Kennedy, despite coming from a relatively successful background, still recognized and appreciated the struggles that others still had to endure. In addition, Kennedy has frequently proposed the idea of having more fortunate countries working with the less fortunate by first putting their differences aside and using their common issues to bring them closer (Kennedy). By introducing this concept, Kennedy proved that he believes in progressive change between very distinct groups, as their differences are minor and can easily be overlooked. This illustrates that Kennedy believed that anyone can be viewed as equals, even if they are nearly
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
When Kennedy spoke, he spoke not only to Americans but to the whole world. His words could soften the hardest of hearts around the planet. Leaders of all nations would come together and listen as one. In order to stay true to the American persona and be a great American, one's duty would be to change and unite the people of the world in some way, shape or form. Through this unification, much like the unification of Germany or the unification of the French public during the French Revolution, we could, together, end war, famine and hunger across
On January 20th, 1960, recently elected president John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave his inaugural speech at the steps of the Capitol in Washington D.C. while tensions were high with the Soviet Union due to the arms and space race, also known as the Cold War. His speech was meant to show the American people and people all over the world, whether they are friend or foe, that this new generation led by Kennedy was a generation of hope, freedom, and peace for all humankind; as he was the youngest person to ever be elected president, and the first Roman Catholic, Kennedy profiled himself as a new voice for a new generation of Americans. This speech was not only meant to celebrate his victory in the presidential election, but also to unite his audience.
During John F. Kennedys speech, he used his platform to connect with countless individuals and to create alliances. In the solid statements of John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, it implies in which the country can work together to build a strong and peaceful nation. John F. Kennedy calls forward all citizens of the nation and asks citizens of the world to partake as one to better the lives of many. He supports a bold claim which suggests: even though Gods blessing is needed, it is the people including himself which need to collaborate to not only make this country triumphant but also the world. He reaches out to the American people and extends an open invitation of unity to the world for equality.
It is stated that it is a new generation of Americans, and the world is a new place. He reminds us in this section of freedom. People are suffering from numerous difficulties; it's our job to try our best to help everyone. Our attention is directed to liberty which will prevail no matter what, and any person or country that opposes will pay the consequences. Human rights will stand in our great nation and in the rest of the world.
John F. Kennedy wanted the world to achieve peace. This was part of his foreign policy. During the cold war John. F Kennedy delivered his Inaugural Address to a divided America. In his speech he addresses the American people. He also addresses everyone outside the borders of America, whether they were a friend or a foe. In this speech he addresses that he wants to achieve peace and unity between America’s rival countries. By mentioning the negative effects of the war and showing the audience that he is reliable, John F. Kennedy establishes his foreign policy to end the war.
Hook: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Text Intro: Perhaps one of the most repeated lines from a political speech, John F Kennedy’s inaugural address, where this notorious line was delivered, became etched into United States culture and policy from the time of it’s original delivery to present day. Topic Intro: Given during 1961 at the beginning of the ‘decade of discontent’ JFK’s inaugural address was in keeping with the dramatic social movements of the time. Relevancy: By emphasizing peaceful diplomatic negotiation as an alternative to warfare, these ideals, brought forward more than half a century ago, are still prominent in modern politics. Thesis: In his Inaugural address Kennedy uses Ethos,
And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."- John F. Kennedy. When thinking about memorable Presidential inauguration speeches, there are many, but JFK’s is very memorable. But first I would like to give a little background on our 35th President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Kennedy was in a tightly contested race with former Vice President, Richard Nixon, and narrowly defeated him. Kennedy was the first Catholic president and the youngest president elected. His inaugural address encompassed the major themes of his campaign and would define his presidency during a time of economic prosperity, emerging social changes, and challenges from diplomacy.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s inaugural speech was addressed to not only to America, but the world. Kennedy was charismatic, confident and intelligent. He spoke saying we and together, talking about everyone in the world working together rather than what he wanted to do for our country. Even though Kennedy wanted to eagerly benefit our country, signify renewal, as well as change, and uplift us, it was always up to the people and still is. His plan was to “begin anew”- “where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.” Knowing it wouldn’t be achieved soon, he wanted to start as soon as possible. America was divided by economical and social issues, but Kennedy looks past that as stated, “Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of blabbering those problems which divide us.” Citizens had different opinions, America was fighting the cold war, and there was a hope for desegregation. Issues of mankind included: “Tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself”.
In conclusion, Kennedy successfully persuaded his audience—American citizens, Soviet’s citizens and some small countries’ citizens—to fulfill their responsibility to take action for liberty and peace by efficient employments of specific diction, parallel structure and metaphor. Undeniably, the current world-wide peace is mostly contributed by President Kennedy’s great effort. Thus, this inaugural address not only makes us deeply feel President Kennedy’s strong responsibility for America, but also lays foundation for world
The beginning of every presidency is an inaugural address that lies out what the candidate plans to do during his term. These are sometimes once in a lifetime moments that no one should miss. On January 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy gave his inspirational and uplifting address that outlined his plans as President in a way that would rally the young American population behind him because of his use of rhetorical appeals and strategies of argumentation. It is clear from the speech, that Kennedy plans on uniting the world against communism and war at whatever cost. It is extremely clear that these issues are important to Kennedy and he wants the American people to share his beliefs.
Ceremonial speeches are given to mark ceremonial events and help a society move beyond their differences. John F. Kennedy gave a ceremonial speech, his inaugural address, on January 20th, 1961, marking one of the most historic speeches in time. In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address speech, that is being evaluated today, the author uses social cohesion as a call for the nation to give back to the country, as we should do of course, and to ask, and expect less from the government, but that we should all have equal rights. Social Cohesion is described as the words, values, goals, speeches, and ceremonies that glue a group or society together and serve to maintain social order. John F. Kennedy uses