Jfk Inaugural Address

Marked by the Cold War tensions and the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, the new president-elect John F. Kennedy delivered his first official address to the American public on a frigid January morning in 1961. Although shorter than most, Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address” aimed to inspire and reaffirm the American public. In his Inaugural Address, JFK eloquently conveyed that the American people bear a profound responsibility to themselves and the global community to foster harmony. By leveraging his newfound authority, invoking the Enlightenment ideals of the founding fathers, and employing unifying language, Kennedy effectively appeals to both the American public and the international audience, instilling confidence in his upcoming tenure as

He also appeals to the audience’s emotions through evocative language. When he speaks of "a new generation of Americans" and the "torch [being] passed" to them, this imagery not only reinforces the strength of American ideals but also instills a sense of patriotism into his American listeners. By highlighting the parts of the American identity that reflect every citizen of the United States, a sense of unity and purpose is fostered with the audience early on. Although short, Kennedy’s address sticks in the minds of today for exactly that reason. Being short, his speech’s rhetoric adapted to a problem-solution framework, first outlining the pressing challenges faced by the nation and the world, then offering his vision for addressing these issues. Using stark depictions of war, poverty, and general societal suffering, Kennedy uses these overarching issues to prop up his promised solutions. Kennedy talks broadly about renewed alliances, international cooperation, and unwavering commitment to human rights, aligning all these solutions with American