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Essay on inaugural speech john f. kennedy
Essay on inaugural speech john f. kennedy
Comment on Kennedy's inaugural speech
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The inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th president of the United States was held on Friday, January, 20, 1961. Kennedy’s inaugural address gave him a chance to introduce his approach for presidency. Kennedy became president during the Cold War. He used his inaugural address to explain the world during that point in American history, encouraged Americans to preserve democracy and freedom, and promote international support. John F. Kennedy’s audience not only included American citizens, but citizens around the world. Kennedy personally mentioned previous Presidents and Vice Presidents, Eisenhower, Nixon, and Truman. In 1960, Kennedy won the Democratic Party’s nomination for president. Millions watched the televised debates with the Republican …show more content…
candidate, Richard Nixon. However, Kennedy won the nomination by a narrow margin, becoming the youngest man and first Roman Catholic elected and inaugurated as President of the United States. “The new president’s inaugural address, delivered outdoors from the East Front of the Capitol on a bright but bitterly cold day, accentuated most of these contrasts” (John F.
Kennedy’s Inaugural …show more content…
Address). Kennedy’s election replaced a supporter of caution and prudence. Replacing President Eisenhower was a man who emphasized youth. Kennedy noted, “‘The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans — born in this century..’” (John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address). Using powerful diction, Kennedy sets up his logos in a modern way. Kennedy doesn’t use numbers or statistics, he uses reasoning. Kennedy acknowledges the people suffering around the world. “To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right” (John F. Kennedy Quotes). Kennedy takes it upon himself to help citizens of the United States, but also those around the world. He doesn’t expect something out of it, it is the right thing to do. “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 Quotes). Kennedy can’t do this alone. He encourages his audience to become involved. He wants citizens to help the less fortunate, anything to do their part. Everyone has a duty in society. Kennedy reminds his audience of this in the line, “With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own” (John F. Kennedy Quotes). In order for people to achieve anything, they must put forth their own effort. Within his inaugural address, Kennedy’s ethos is built around using affirming words. “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago” (John F. Kennedy Quotations). As incoming president, Kennedy is taking responsibility as the leader of the country in hopes to continue the work of past presidents. Kennedy realized that not everyone supported him or his party. He opens his address with the line, “We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end as well as a beginning--signifying renewal as well as change” (John F. Kennedy Quotations). It’s hard not to support a man who only wants to unite the country. “I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it” (John F. Kennedy Quotations). Kennedy establishes his credibility by owning up to the tasks of president. He understands how difficult his time in office may be, but maintains a positive mindset on the situation, noting that he has America’s best interests at heart. Kennedy uses an allusion in the line, “Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah--to "undo the heavy burdens . . . (and) let the oppressed go free” (John F. Kennedy Quotations). Americans were aware of Kennedy’s Catholic background when he was elected. He made it very obvious in his inaugural address, mentioning the Bible many times. As the audience listens to Kennedy’s address, they understand that Kennedy wouldn’t quote the Bible if what he was saying wasn’t true. Kennedy is following out God’s plan, letting the nation know that they are in this together. The audience feels more assured with a man knowing what needs to be done to lead the country, but who also follows his faith. Kennedy uses emotionally charged words to appeal to his audience’s emotions.
“.. The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world” (John F. Kennedy Quotations). Words such as, “tempered”, “disciplined”, and “bitter” are not words used in everyday conversation, but appropriate for his inaugural address. These words created a vivid image in the audience’s minds. Figurative language is used in the quote, “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it--and the glow from that fire can truly light the world” (John F. Kennedy Quotations). Kennedy doesn’t mean to literally light the world on fire, but is demonstrating how our country can influence the world as a powerful nation. “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich” (John F. Kennedy Quotes). Kennedy states that money is not nearly as important as people. People who are often caught acting ungenerously will feel a sense of
guilt.
In the fall of 1963 Kennedy’s Administration was preparing campaigns for the election of 1964 in hopes of bringing the fragile Texas Democratic Party closer. The Kennedys headed to Dallas on the morning of November 22, 1963 to attend a scheduled luncheon. On that tragic day President Kennedy was assassinated in a senseless act of violence. Within the next few hours, Vice President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as president. In the midst of a grieving country, he was given the duty of handling a transition in leadership and presenting an acceptance speech before Congress. LBJ gave his acceptance speech of the U.S. presidency in front of Congress just five short days after John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. Expectations were high but then again no one knew what was to come of LBJ as president. In a time of much confusion throughout the country, it was his responsibility to reassure the American people about the nations’ immediate future and how he would handle the unfinished business and social issues that JFK had begun.
John F. Kennedy was the President of the United States from 1961 to 1963. Shortly after taking over in office he gave an inspiring speech during a News Conference held on April 10, 1961, to discuss the inflation of steel prices and the impact it had on the American people.
It was on January 20th 1961 that John F Kennedy gave his inaugural address after winning the presidential race and beating future president Richard Nixon. President, John F Kennedy in his speech, The Inaugural Address, he describes his plans for growth in America. Kennedy’s purpose is unite the people of the U.S. and bring everyone together for the good cause of promoting growth in the country. He creates a very inspirational tone in order to establish a connection with the U.S. people. In his speech Kennedy really used several rhetorical strategies of persuasion to motivate and persuade the U.S. people that they made the right choice in choosing him.
Those words were, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country” ("Inaugural Address."). In order to achieve all these feats, JFK need a nation united. JFK pulled on the nations heartstrings by reminding the nation of it’s core values, which it was founded on. He appeals to that “tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage” side of the American public ("Inaugural Address."). He later goes on to say that change will not happen overnight, but rather change is a continuous process that is always evolving and
John F Kennedy delivered one of the finest speeches on January 20, 1961 after being sworn into office. His inauguration speech was so powerful that it captured the entire nations attention, and quotes from it are still remembered by people today. It is one of the finest speeches ever written. It provides a strong appeal to pathos, ethos and logos, and it is because of this that people who never heard the speech can quote lines from it.
This speech proves that Kennedy had a way with words and knew the best way to get a message across. He clearly expressed his feelings but did so without letting them take over. He didn’t scream or shout, but showed he could handle his anger while still letting it shine through. Kennedy used the three appeals, strong diction and syntax, and a well-organized structure of his ideas to convey his purpose; Raise anger in Americans and side with them, while making the steel companies feel guilty for their
Kennedy was elected president in the year of 1961. Which was during the time that the Cold War was in full swing. The Cold War being the tension filled era between the superpowers in the east and the superpowers in the west. Contrary to the other two presidents, JFK was not speaking to the American public at the time of the war 's conclusion but right near the middle of the 40 plus year issue. Regardless he was assuring the public. He stated, “...that the torch has been passed to a new generation of American-”. That optimism cannot be matched. Even at the darkest of times could he stand up there, the president of the United States, and tell the young people of America that their time is now. Not only that but he attempts to inspire Americans when he says “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.”, which was definitely a knock at the Russians. JFK overall had this persona about him. This was the speech where muttered that historic and uplifting quote, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.” His message of peace and coexisting really stand the test of
Evident throughout his entire address, Kennedy employs a cogent pathos appeal to keep his audience intrigued. This can be demonstrated when Kennedy initially proclaims: “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans…” who he urges to be “unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of…human rights to which this nation has always been committed…” (Kennedy). Kennedy’s usage of “we” rather than “I” gives the audience a sense that they exist as part of something big, perhaps a family, while portraying Kennedy as a people’s president who desires to be a “person in the crowd.” Throughout his address, Kennedy establishes pathos mainly by appealing to American patriotism, a significant concept during the Cold War period in which Americans needed a jingoistic spirit to succeed. By reminding his audience of their forefathers and instigating parallels between “the first revolution” and the present generation, “born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage,” the president grasps the attention of the audience. He even stresses the value of liberty and this generation’s dedication to the survival of that value to rou...
John F Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States and at 43 years old he was the youngest president to take office. Because of his youth, he stumbled upon much skepticism from his opposition and even a little from his supporters. Kennedy’s inauguration speech was so vital because he needed to make a quick and powerful first impression to America and to the entire world. The address was written to encourage American citizens to get involved with their country and with the issues of the time. This speech reassured the voters that they made the correct choice and informed the country that changes were on there way.
John F Kennedy delivered one of the best speeches on January 20, 1961.His inauguration speech was very powerful and it gathered the attention of every single person in the nation. It uses a strong appeal to pathos, ethos and logos. Kennedy was the youngest president to be in office. He got his degree from Harvard and later on joined the navy. He wrote “ profiles in courage” which has received one of the most recognized awards, the Pulitzer Prize. This speech had a lot of positive sides to it, but one of the most important things was that it gave him a good look from the outside. The inaugural address was written to let the citizens of America know that they could change this country for the better. It assured all voters
During the time of domestic war at home and foreign relations concerns, the United States of America experienced one of the greatest time periods in American history which was during what people called the "Camelot" period. This occurred when the 35th President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was in office and he initiated a period of social development which overcame major differences between Americans and the rest of the world. President Kennedy was inaugurated on January 20, 1961 and became the second youngest and first Catholic president of the United States. This new president initiated a series of new changes in the country, from which he became an inspiration to many Americans, as he is still remembered for his idealism and courage. He was the leader of the Democratic party and won the election by 49.7% of the votes. Kennedy was seen as an intellectual young man who's beautiful wife helped his political image. JFK initiated many programs to help improve American society. Kennedy was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights of African- American citizens along with the other leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks who were becoming the voice of these American minorities. He commenced the creation of the Peace Corps to the New Frontier Program. Kennedy also worked on reforming U.S. immigration and made the commitment to win the space race before the Russians. Kennedy focused on Russian-American relations during the Cuban Missile Crisis and as the risks of a nuclear attack increased, Kennedy signed a treaty with the Soviet Union preventing the use of nuclear weapons. One of the most famous quotes that JFK is known for is: "Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country" . His ...
Since the main reason of his sermon is to inspire rather than educate, Kennedy rarely uses any logical pleads. Yet, Kennedy adequately uses passionate dialect to make the people sense their involvement in what all the President says. Kennedy composes the assignment to bring back tranquility and good-wealth as not only his aim, but of the public as well. With famed verses like, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” Kennedy makes the spectators feel inclined to make an impact in the world they live. Apart from infusing a sense of obligation in the crowd, Kennedy’s greatest element in his speech was the aptitude to arouse a feeling of esteem in the audience. Kennedy constantly uses phrases about freedom and sovereignty to remind the people they still are. “The heirs of that first revolution.” This dialect portrays America as a powerful and patriarch republic that possesses greater philanthropy of all the other nations around the world. Even though much of the address is fervent in tone, Kennedy devotes a large section of his topic to outline his ethos to all inhabitants of the world. JFK introduced the use of ethos at the inception of his address. Kennedy was very young when he came into office, but he was still obliged to act at the same status as former presidents. Attentive to this condition, Kennedy
The late president John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said, “Sure it's a big job; but I don't know anyone who can do it better than I can” (“John F. Kennedy” BrainyQuote.com). Kennedy was a young and fresh political figure at the time of his election in 1960. The thirty-fifth president of the United States was born May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the youngest president ever, as well as the first and only Roman Catholic president (Bass, et al.). His presidency was shortened by an assassin on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. Kennedy preceded his presidency with a term in the U.S. House of Representatives (1947-1953) and a term in the U.S. Senate (1953-1961) (“John F. Kennedy” History.com). Kennedy, a charismatic and energetic leader, was loved by the American people. He had many plans for his time in office, some of which he was able to personally achieve, while others were left to his vice-president, Lyndon B. Johnson. Although his life was tragically cut short, John F. Kennedy left an indelible mark on the United States of America in and out of the oval office.
... Americans are so happy in this country. Freedom is was what this country was founded on and he wanted to spread it to the world. Ethos is quite simple in his speech. John F. Kennedy is obviously a smart, brilliant man that became president. He wouldn’t be where he was if he wasn’t those things, there American people would not have elected him to office.
During John F. Kennedy 's Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961, that’s when he said to Americans “To do not ask what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country” (US Historical documents). I personally support this quote and understand the full sense behind it, I don’t take it greatly on country level, but on how I live with my family and friends in my daily life. This is the saying that carries a lot of meaning not only for Americans John F. Kennedy was addressing to this speech, but as well as to anybody who want to move forward and live a life without complaining.