John F. Kennedy s Inaugural Speech - 2478 Words

Being number two on the list of top one hundred speeches in www.americanrhetoric.com, it is no surprise that John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural speech on January 20, 1961had a great impact on the American public (ar100). His speech is famous for it’s eloquence and ending call to action, challenging the American public to, â€Å"ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country (JFK 1).† Traditionally, inaugural speeches are given to unify the nation and provide a clear picture of what the future will look like throughout the presidency. During the time of Kennedy’s inaugural speech, the American people were becoming increasingly fearful of a very long cold war. However, instead of instilling a feeling of peace for the United States, Kennedy spoke of a long struggle, emphasizing the major differences between the United States and its enemies, and outlined the specific responsibilities and obligations of the United States citizens. Kenne dy’s speech was eloquently delivered and well-crafted, however there was much more depth to his speech than just how well is was delivered. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address showed the American foreign policy and raised the stakes of the cold war. This essay will critically analyze Kennedy’s Inaugural Address. Kennedy called for an increase in the United States role of intervening in global relations and expanding in the name of freedom. Kennedy vows to support any nation wanting to pursue liberty and democracy. This call for anShow MoreRelatedJohn F Kennedy s Inaugural Speech947 Words   |  4 PagesJohn F Kennedy’s inaugural speech is widely considered one of the best speeches ever given. By the time Kennedy was elected, he had earned a degree from Harvard University, spent time in the Navy during the Second World War, and was already enjoying a successful political career serving in both houses of Congress. Kennedy delivered his eloquent inaugural speech to thousands of people on the steps of the Capitol building and millions more watching the broadcast on television which was the first toRead MoreOn May 29, 1917, Brookline, Massachusetts, Mr. John Frederick806 Words   |  4 PagesBrookline, Massachusetts, Mr. John Frederick Kennedy was born. John F Kennedy was one of nine children born to Joseph and Rose Kennedy(a very wealthy family). His father Joseph Kennedy was a businessman and politician while his mother Rose Kennedy was a philanthropist and socialite. Due to his family’s wealth, John F Kennedy s education was more than respectable, attending many private schools since grade school. Once it was time for higher education John F Kennedy briefly attended Princeton UniversityRead MoreLeslie Cardoso. Leslie Cardoso. Ap English 3. P.3.1082 Words   |  5 PagesLeslie Cardoso Leslie Cardoso Ap English 3 p.3   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The JFK Inaugural Address On January 20, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy delivered one of America s few standout inaugural addresses and one of the finest speeches in American history. By invoking the American dream and extending its promise to the rest of the world, Kennedy s speech was an inspirational call to action that resonates even today. John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, The article â€Å"Inside Kennedy’s Inauguration, 50 Years on†Read MoreThe Inaugural Address Of John F. Kennedy1441 Words   |  6 PagesThe Pathway to Success â€Å"The Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy is considered one of the greatest speeches in twentieth-century American public address,† says Sara Ann Mehltretter from Penn State University. The 1960s was an important time period during American history. The speech was said to motivate Americans and unite them to successfully create a powerful government. In a time of desperation, the actions that the United States government would take to help come out successful was very importantRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedy s Inaugural Address Essay1566 Words   |  7 PagesFREEDOM: Rhetorical Analysis of John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address Tanner A. Woody Anderson University On January 20, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy delivered a speech with a backdrop of snow and a twenty-degree wind blowing in his face in Washington D.C. In his speech, he starts off with saying that his victory is not for a party but it is for freedom. At the climax of his speech, JFK delivers a call to action which is also the most well-known line from his speech: â€Å"†¦ask not what your countryRead MoreThe Inaugural Address Of John F. Kennedy1654 Words   |  7 PagesAn Effort Closer to A Better Country â€Å"The Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy is considered one of the greatest speeches in twentieth-century American public address,† says Sara Ann Mehltretter from Penn State University. The 1960s was an important time period during American history. The speech was said to motivate Americans and unite them to successfully create a powerful government. In a time of desperation, the actions that the United States government would take to help come out successfulRead MorePresident John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address1532 Words   |  7 Pages20, 1961 John F. Kennedy. What do all these dates and names have in common is a question you may ask. One is that each name is of one of the many presidents of the United States. Two is the dates are the dates of each ones Inaugural address. The first ever Inaugural address was done April 30, 1789 by none other than the United States first president George Washington. Many have heard and Inaugural address but just in case you happen not to know what one is an Inaugural address is a speech given duringRead MoreDreams of John F. Kennedy700 Words   |  3 PagesInaugural Address: The Dreams of John F. Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy; even today 50 years after his death, his name still inspires Americans and others around the globe. President Kennedy was elected in 1960; this was the start of a new decade and a new generation and was a time of great change in our nation. Kennedy was the youngest U.S. president in our history and when sworn into office spoke his Inaugural Address. His Inaugural speech addresses many problems faced by Americans and many otherRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedys Call To Action936 Words   |  4 PagesThe 1960’s was a period of America enriched of political and social tension that included issues regarding the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement the Vietnam War, race, gender, the Vietnam war, and sexual orientation. During this era, the Baby Boomer generation sought out to challenge the status quo of the current government policy by protesting against these issues. From hippies to teddy boys, they opposed the existing conditions in the Uni ted States that have emerged as contentious reasons toRead MoreMicroscopic Look At Jfk s Inaugural Address982 Words   |  4 PagesLook at JFK’s Inaugural Address The 1960’s was a time when the world was facing the Cold War and America was facing the Civil Rights Movement. On January 20, 1961, at the age of 43, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was sworn into office as the 35th President of the United States. As the youngest president of the United States, Kennedy needed to prove to the American citizens that he was a great leader and that they did the right thing to elect him. (History.com) The night before JFK’s inaugural it snowed so