Jfk Inaugural Address Vs Four Freedom Essay

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Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech was delivered in 1941 while John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address was released in 1961. These speeches were given at critical times in the history of the United States and the world and each describes the need for the preservation of freedom and unity of Americans and people around the world. However, The fact of being given at different times in history causes variations in the purposes of each speech. The U.S. presidents' views and beliefs differ on how to preserve freedom and who to unite with. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech and John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address have many similarities and differences. Both speeches were delivered in different time periods and yet they were given …show more content…

However, Roosevelt’s and Kennedy’s views differ on this subject substantially. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech shows his desire to preserve freedom by aiding other countries affected by the war. Roosevelt explains, “Let us say to the democracies: ‘We Americans are vitally concerned in your defense of freedom. We are putting forth our energies, our resources, and our organizing powers to give you the strength to regain and maintain a free world. We shall send you, in ever-increasing numbers, ships, planes, tanks, guns. This is our purpose and our pledge.’” (Roosevelt 38) Roosevelt wanted to help preserve freedom by aiding other countries and providing them with weapons and supplies. While John F. Kennedy wanted to preserve freedom in America specifically through negotiation and peacemaking. JFK states, “So let us begin anew—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”(Kennedy 15) Kennedy wanted both sides to never fear negotiation or negotiate out of it and he desired to start again. He believes that the U.S. and the Soviet Union could accomplish peace if they negotiate and worked together to come up with a solution that benefits both sides. Though the two presidents have different views and beliefs on how to preserve freedom, they still share the desire to preserve it whether that be by aiding other countries or