Jfk Inaugural Address

On January 20, 1961 President John Fitzgerald Kennedy delivered his inaugural address to the American people. In this speech Kennedy portrays the 1960s as a new beginning; a chance to not only improve America, but to improve the entire world. He attempts to create an optimistic tone that would have been reflected in the audience by describing his beliefs in the future and his support and admiration of the past. He appeals to his audience religiously and patriotically by stating that all the blessings America has are because of God and the hard work and determination of its citizens (John F. Kennedy: Inaugural Address – January 20, 1961). Kennedy commences his speech by stating how his election is a new start for America; that it is not only prosperous for the Democrat Party, but for each and every American citizen. He draws attention to how much the world has changed since America was founded. He states, “For man holds in his hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human” (John F. Kennedy: Inaugural Address – January 20, 1961). He sounds very optimistic, but also cautious of the new technology arising at this time. He may have commenced his speech with this tone because although many great

He mentions that together the American people can move into the new decade by aiming for peace in their nation and peace in the world. He stands firm in his beliefs and connects to the readers by mentioning God and religion frequently. Instead of just complaining about world problems, he proposes solutions for the majority of them. One of the most famous lines seems to embody the entire message and feel of the entire speech: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country” (John F. Kennedy: Inaugural Address - January 20,