Jfk We Go To The Moon Speech Summary

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On September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy announced the United States’ involvement in the race to the moon. He was met with much controversy, as it was a high cost and high risk decision. However, JFK recognized the leaps and bounds that American scientists were making, and believed that they could be the first to put a man on the moon. He forged through the discouragement, and continued coaxing the American people to support the Apollo Project. And it paid off. Seven years later, on July 20, 1969, the United States’ Apollo 11 landed on the moon. This great feat all began with JFK’s “We Choose to Go to the Moon” speech, convincing the American people to support this triumph, as it was in their nature. John F. Kennedy used many literary …show more content…

When referencing the uncertainty of the people, the President reminds them of prior world accomplishments. He states, “But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? Why does Rice play Texas?” (n.pag.) Alluding to these major achievements inspired the crowd’s nationalism, resulting in them supporting the project and getting more involved than they’d been before. Not only did he achieve this, but he also hit close to home when vocalizing their issue with beating Texas. As this speech took place there, saying this gave him the love of the crowd, while also implying that this will be a rewarding effort. JFK gets more specific with this allusion later in his speech as well, stating, “Many years ago the great British explorer George Mallory, who was to die on Mount Everest, was asked why did he want to climb it. He said, ‘Because it is there.’” (n.pag.). He goes on to say that space is there, and there’s no reason denying the inevitable, which is space travel. The United States can not waste any time, as they are known as a world leader. He applies this logic to his speech, which builds his argument even further among the people. John F. Kennedy’s allusions make a strong connection to the audience through patriotism, while also explaining the nation’s rationale of going to the

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