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John f. kennedy inaugural speech analysis
Analysis of john f. kennedy inauguration address
Historical background of kennedy 's inaugural address
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John F. Kennedy is different than other US presidents in many instances; however, most notably, he was elected the second youngest President of the United States, and was the youngest to die in office. Diverse from other leaders of our country, Kennedy’s famous inaugural speech on January 20th, 1961, inspired all to be more active in our country. His well-known words, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” are still remembered today as one of the most impacting quotes in American history. Biological Information Kennedy was born into a wealthy, catholic family on May 29, 1917. He was the second oldest of nine successful siblings. During his early years, despite his future success as a US President, …show more content…
Kennedy, with America in mind, spoke to his fellow citizens in a captivating manner. The inaugural speech could have been terrifying due the difficulties of the Cold War; however, Americans left the location feeling at ease. He motivated everyone to do good deeds, give to the poor, and help the nation become better. The audience truly felt as if the speech was about the citizens, and for the citizens, rather than a speech about winning an election. America knew that JFK not only cared about the US, but would do everything in is power to see progress during his term. Citizens of the US had a true respect for their new leader. Kennedy told his country, “…united there is nothing this country can’t do .” His words, phrases, themes, gestures, and personality charmed …show more content…
With that in mind, it was difficult to give America faith that we were a superpower, yet trying to practice peace as well. This goal of being a peaceful force was the drive behind his inaugural speech. The main theme of JFK’s speech was obtaining responsibility, while being in control as well. For example, Kennedy said, "...Man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life." The late president also gives a sense of challenge to the US by saying, "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.” Rather than scaring America during a time of war, he encourages bravery for the
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.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States. He graduated from Harvard, and joined the navy. He worked as a reporter before entering the political arena. He later wrote “profiles in courage” which won the Pulitzer Prize Award. Being that JFK was the youngest president to ever be in office there is no doubt that he encountered a lot of skepticism. This speech had many purposes but most importantly it gave him positive recognition. The inaugural address was written to encourage the American public to get actively involved with their country. It also reassured them that it was not a contest that he won but rather chance at a beginning. This speech reassured the voters that they made the right choice and informed a country that they were going to see some changes.
In terms of logos, John F. Kennedy understood America’s fight for future stability, so his speech addressed how two separate ideologies could world together under a new goal, of peace. During this period in American history, the civil rights movement was in full effect, which was a national embarrassment. It is important to note, that Kennedy failed to side with the civil rights movement, up to this point, so by addressing the world citizens, he could ignore U.S. problems and generalize America’s freedom. Thus, his speech was a logical way of downplaying America’s problems, and concentrate on our world problems. “My fellow citizens of the world,” was his plea to work together to create a free country, however, not all people in America were
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
His speech contained persuasive appeals such as logos and pathos. Kennedy says “This peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers...our neighbors know we shall join with them to oppose aggression anywhere…let every power know this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.” This strong quote corresponds with pathos, it pertains to the emotion of hope and courage that the U.S. needs to maintain its high ranking status among other countries. This shows that he wants us to be ready for anything
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 was actually born as Jack F. Kennedy. JFK was born on May 29, 1917 in Brookline, Massachusetts. That 's basically the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. JFK had 9 brothers & sisters. JFK`s family wasn 't that close of a family but none the less JFK himself was a family man. But being President is a busy job so he probably didn 't get that much time with them anyway (History.com. A&E Television Networks,n.d. Web). JFK was indeed born to one of America’s wealthiest families. JFK first attended Princeton University but, after just one year he transferred to Harvard University where he graduated in 1940. Besides being a President JFK was also the lieutenant of his navy crew during WWII (John F Kennedy. N.p., n.d.). He also served three terms in the House Of Representatives. In 1952 JFK was elected to the U.S.senate. Then later in 1960 JFK was nominated by the Democratic Party to run for president against Vice president Richard Nixon ("John F. Kennedy Elected President." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web).
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 ...
John emphasized if a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich. He felt Americans needed to use their freedoms to do great things, not just be thankful they have them. Pres. Kennedy’s heart longed for the nation of America to grab hold of the reigns of their freedom and take it to the extreme. The extreme would be to feed the hungry, help those in poverty fight their way out of it, and make peace in the world more often than war.
As emblematic representatives of their country, U.S. Presidents exercise their beliefs and concepts regularly through the use of eloquence. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was elected president of the United States in 1960. Kennedy became president during times of great danger and fear for the nation of America, and others around the globe. With Communism becoming even more popular, and large weapon’s being frequently produced all around the world, the people of America needed a new premier commander. As the youngest elected official to ever govern the White House, Kennedy wanted to show his genuineness as a ruler, and verify that his presidency would lead to great hope and a future.
John F. Kennedy chose to write this essay because he was attempting to show us the vision the he had for our world. Kennedy’s purpose of writing the “Inaugural Address” was to challenge us to change our way of thinking and become better not only for ourselves, but for our country so that we may function more efficiently. The major groups Kennedy addresses in his speech are the United States and the other nations who are enemies of the United States. Kennedy’s central point for the entire essay is that we as a nation need to defend our freedoms all around the world. In order to defend our freedoms we must stop fighting amongst each other and join together in unison. We have the ability to share all different types of ideas, cultures, and experiences.
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 the pathos, ethos and logos. Kennedy was the youngest president to be in office. He got his degree from Harvard and later joined the navy. He wrote “ Profiles in Courage” which has received one of the most recognized awards, the Pulitzer Prize.
On January 20th, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave a speech to the nation, which encompassed a new vision for the country with a new generation. That speech was JFK’s Inaugural Address. As the new 35th president, JFK was the youngest president to enter the oval office at the age of forty-three ("Inaugural Address."). The nation was still in in the process of healing after World War II. In the eyes of the masses, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was a breath of fresh air for the American People. He was a youthful president, with his youthful image; he was able to rally the younger generations with a progressive vision. This speech was a message to the nation in which JFK outlines a new direction for The United States by securing it’s freedom, being a competitive nation in all aspects, and rallying the citizens behind the government.
In his prominent 1961 Inaugural Address, John F. Kennedy extensively employs pathos, parallelism, antithesis, and varied syntax to captivate millions of people, particularly to persuade them to stand together and attempt to further human rights for the “betterment” of the world. Kennedy’s effective use of various rhetorical styles succeeds in persuading his audience –the world and the U.S citizens—that his newly-seized position as the U.S. President will be worthwhile for all.
President John F. Kennedy brings about a new way of thinking in his inaugural speech. He brings in a sense of selflessness and relentlessness for the country. He uses literary devices such as, antithesis, repetition, and rhetorical questions to bring about that sense in the audience. He begins by putting himself to the people and allowing the audience to feel welcomed. The use of literary devices in his speech allows the audience to recognize his goal, which is moving forward and bringing change to the country.