The Enormous Impact of War on History

War is an important event in a country’s history that has immense implications and changes its economic and social state. The leader of the country has an enormous pressure to persuade the people to gain the public’s support with their decision to either enter or avoid war. John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill were two great political leaders who knew how to persuade the people during a war crisis. During a time of great international turmoil and political instability, both men were in the world’s spotlight and played key roles. JFK was president during the time of the Cold War and wanted to show that not only did the United States want to extend neutrality and friendship to any adversaries, but also to delineate that America was still the strongest country in the world. During a time of innovation and development, the world needed to ally itself and use its power to solve problems of mankind, not enhance them. The audiences of his speech were the Russians and other countries around the world who threatened the U.S.’s stance as a superpower. He offered them a hand of collaboration instead of futile war propositions. Although at a different crossroad, Winston Churchill had also become Prime Minister during the start of World War II, a time in which Germany seemed impenetrable. Lacking the resources and technical advancement needed for the war, British people were not confident in a war declaration. Realizing lack of morale, Churchill prepared his call-to-arms speech and galvanized his country. In order to fight a war, it is important to ensure that the public believes in the war and in its ultimate victory. Both leaders delineated effective methods to create unification through the use of various rhetorical devices such as anaph...

... middle of paper ...

...His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own”. Religious references in his speech rile the general public and appeal to their base desires. Historically, use of religion has always been used to create a blanket of unification. Every person innately wants to be viewed as righteous and a supporter of the bastions of justice. Kennedy utilizes this to his advantage and plays upon that knowledge. He knew that religion was an integral part of America and used it his favor. Thus, he is able to appeal to people of all religions sects, despite being Roman Catholic himself. People come together, regardless of religious affiliations, and believe that what JFK is preaching is what God would like, especially if America’s work is a representation of ‘God’s work’. JFK successfully is able to create a unified nation during a time of national crisis.