Compare And Contrast Kennedy's Inaugural Speech And Four Freedoms

Two speeches given twenty years apart, both act as a call to action against outside threats that if successful would have a worldwide impact on people's lives. “Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere,” (Roosevelt 276). Roosevelt separates freedom into four parts: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom from fear, and freedom from want. These all pertain to the same idea- equal rights for everyone. “Ask not what America will do for you- but what together we can do for the freedom of man,” (Kennedy 286). Kennedy believes freedom means that each person has to contribute to give freedom to all. Everyone has to work together to be free. Both the inaugural address and the “Four Freedoms” Speech speak about the threat at hand

However Roosevelt’s speech focused on how America would support other countries in a current war. While Kennedy’s speech focused on means for preventing a possible future war.

Both Roosevelt and Kennedy’s speeches echo fights of the past or look to the future and invoke America's strength and resiliency in addition to promoting aid to others. “But, as time went on, the American people began to visualize what the downfall of democratic nations might mean to our own democracy,” (Roosevelt 270). Roosevelt is implying that people in America are remembering what occurred during World War 1. Many countries had fallen during this time, and lost their democratic style of government. This is a major issue that Roosevelt is bringing to the surface as a possible outcome of the second World War that was

“We are putting forth our energies, our resources, and our organizing power to give you the strength to regain and maintain a free world,” (Roosevelt 274). In this part of his speech, Roosevelt is saying that America will be doing all that they can to help other countries. He is saying America will send supplies that allies need in the war, and help as much as possible. His call to action is not mentioning communication and is just saying that the American people will help with what they can. Kennedy on the other hand, is saying that in the war, communication is necessary. “United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do- for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder,” (Kennedy 284). The call to action in Kennedy's plan states that without collaborating with other countries that there will be no chance of steering clear of issues that the Cold War can cause. His, similarly to Roosevelt’s, is saying supplies can be given if needed, and help is available to countries that need it. Both Kennedy and Roosevelt are declaring that tyranny will not win if we help each other. Roosevelt is planning on giving supplies to countries that need it, while communication and collaboration are key for Kennedy’s plan. By supporting all of its current allies, America's side had a higher chance of winning the