Kennedy's Inaugural Address: Changing America's Outlook

One of John F. Kennedy’s often quoted statements is “The only reason to give a speech is to change the world,” his inaugural address would be one that did (Schwertly). Kennedy’s inaugural address was given during one of the most turbulent times in American history. During this time of increasing nuclear weapons, the Cold War being in full swing and increasing racial tension in America, Kennedy was what America needed (Sorenson). In Kennedy’s speech he not only addresses each of those issues and gives his plan to resolve them, but he also succeeds to inspire Americans to contribute to their country in any way they can. America was in need of a strong leader and that’s what Kennedy came to be. He made it clear that he had big plans for the improvement of America. Through the use of ethos, pathos and logos, President Kennedy was able to effectively communicate his standings on the issues and persuade his audience to view them as he did, giving him an even stronger platform to inspire Americans to be participating citizens.

Historical Background and Purpose

When this address was given the country was in the middle

of the Cold War, the war was at its height (Trueman). Along with the war, the creation of nuclear weapons was increasing rapidly. Not only did America possess nuclear weapons, but the Soviet Union did as well. Another issue increasing during this time was racial tension in America (PBS). Through this address Kennedy wanted to make it clear to Nikita Khrushchev, Soviet chairman, that he wanted peace, cooperation and negotiations (Sorenson). He didn’t want a “hot war” (Kennedy). Kennedy wanted to make it clear that America would stand strong against any foreign encroachment to the people’s freedom. Although he was willing to stand strong, he made it clear that the best option would be peace and to end this cold war. Kennedy’s goal was to better our foreign policy and to “win more friends for the United States and the west among the neutral governments of the third world” (Sorenson). Kennedy planned to do this by making known his concern with the problems of the third world. He did this by mentioning the problem with poverty and dictatorship in third world countries and that it was his plan to aid these problems (Sorenson).
When it came to political or personal issues Kennedy was one to face them head-on. Kennedy opposed anything unconstitutional and believed that the separation of church and state is absolute. Along with political issues, he also faced head-on the medical issue of having Addison’s disease (Watson). The purpose of the document was to communicate to the American people his plans for the country and to encourage Americans to be participating citizens. Kennedy’s audience was primarily America, but as president of the United States, he had a global platform. Therefore, his words had meaning globally (Sorenson).
Analysis of Document
In Kennedy’s inaugural address he uses various literary devices to appeal to his audience in all ways, using ethos, pathos and logos.

The use of logos can be seen as he lays out his plan for the country in a clear manner, logically assessing what needed to be done. Examples of this is when he acknowledges the importance of allies, the aid he plans to provide to third world countries and need for peace, which would imply ending the Cold War (Kennedy). Another example of logos is when he says “let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us” (Kennedy). This statement is referring to the Cold War and to any enemies of America. This statement exemplifies logic in that it presents the idea that more benefit will come from recognizing how we as countries can help one another and not focussing on dividing

issues.
The use of pathos can be seen when he acknowledges that “half the globe is struggling to break the bonds of mass misery” (Kennedy). Recognizing this in his speech appeals to the emotions of the Americans listening, encouraging action to aid these struggling countries. Another use of pathos is seen when he states “for man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty” (Kennedy). This statement appeals to the emotions of the American people by telling them that in their hands was the power to change the world. This gave not only a sense of empowerment and inspiration, but also responsibility.
The use of ethos is in the simple fact that he is the President of the United States, this position gives him credibility. At the beginning of the speech when President Kennedy addresses the “Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, and fellow citizens”, this also is an example of ethos because it shows how important he is to be addressing all of those important people. The tone of the document is extremely serious and motivational. The motivation in this speech goes out to all American citizens, encouraging them to take action in bettering their country and being an active part of society. This is seen when Kennedy states his now famous line, “ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country” (Kennedy). Kennedy achieved his goal of motivating Americans through this. The tone can also be perceived as serious as Kennedy addresses numerous serious topics involving America at that time. These topics include America’s foreign policy, the issue of the Cold War, poverty of other countries, dictators in other countries and the United Nations (Kennedy). The goal of the document was to present Kennedy’s view and plan for the country and to inspire Americans to be participating and beneficial citizens. This document seemed to be effective in that it accomplished communicating to the people Kennedy’s goals and also inspired many people.
Results of Document
As a result of this speech, Americans were reassured of America’s strengths and inspired to serve their country. Another benefit of this document and Kennedy’s administration as a whole was the prevention of a nuclear war. The Soviet Union at the time had enough nuclear weapons to destroy America a few times over, this document promoted peace on the issue of nuclear weapons. In this speech, Kennedy promises to defend America at all costs when he says “we shall… oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty” (Kennedy). In 1961 when the Soviet Union threatened to take West Berlin, Kennedy promised a military response, abiding by the promises he made in his inaugural address. In 1962 when the Soviet Union began to install missiles in Cuba, Kenedy demanded their removal and also organized a settlement to keep the two enemies at peace with one another (PBS). This goes along with his promise of aiding other countries in his speech. Kennedy also later negotiated a treaty that ended atmospheric nuclear testing, another action of his coinciding with his inaugural address. This document most definitely fulfilled its purpose, laying out Kennedy’s plan for action in America and inspiring Americans to be contributing members of American society.
Conclusion
The legacy that Kennedy left behind with this speech was one of hope. Not only did he inspire Americans to be contributing members of society but he also evoked the idea of idealism. The impression of this speech upon Americans and other countries was one of peace, hope and American strength (PBS). Another thing that is still remembered about Kennedy’s speech is his call to action presented to all Americans. In his speech is an undeniable optimism when assessing the future of America. Still today, from this speech we can acknowledge the power that is in our hands to positively or negatively affect the world and America. As Kennedy would put it, “in your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course” (Kennedy).