Similarities Between Fdr And Jfk Inaugural Address

The struggle for freedom and democracy has often been the central theme in speeches of several leaders throughout history, as prominently seen in U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt’s (FDR) State of the Union address, “Four Freedoms,” and John F. Kennedy’s (JFK) inaugural address. Both presidents established the necessity for freedom and democracy—a system where citizens are represented through elected officials—in any situation. Despite these similarities, Roosevelt focused on domestic freedoms within the United States, whereas Kennedy called for global cooperation to achieve freedom. Both presidents stressed the importance of freedom for democracy and human rights, recognizing freedom’s significance against a myriad of threats. Freedom,

By emphasizing freedom of speech and freedom from fear, FDR highlights the importance of allowing citizens to express their expressed freedom and peace. These rights are the foundations of a democratic society, allowing citizens to live without the fear of their freedoms being destroyed. Similarly, President Kennedy’s inaugural address, delivered during the Cold War, emphasized the necessity of freedom for a prosperous society. Marked by the Cold War, an ideological battle between the United States democracy and the USSR’s communism, JFK and his presidency called for international peace amidst the looming threat of nuclear destruction. Addressing the American people, Kennedy emphasized their fundamental power rooted in freedom and human rights; he rallied for the preservation of freedom to counter regimes that trampled upon human liberties, such as the USSR. In a powerful declaration, the President proclaimed, “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans... unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of human rights to which this nation has always been committed”

Nevertheless, President Kennedy’s approach greatly articulated international collaboration among all nations. JFK’s belief in international cooperation as a necessity stems from his recognition of the interconnectedness of the modern world. The threat of freedom and human rights transcends national borders, often requiring the help of collective action through bodies such as the United Nations. By fostering collaboration amongst nations, democracy and human rights may be present on a global scale, even amidst totalitarian governments such as the USSR. In his inaugural address, Kennedy reflects such beliefs to the American people regarding the United States position in the international community, stating, “To the United Nations, we renew our pledge of support—to support it from becoming merely a forum for invective—to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak—and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run” (285). Ultimately, Kennedy acknowledges the potential of international institutions, such as the United Nations (UN), to foster collaboration among