Summary Of Jfk Inaugural Address

John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States born on May 29, 1917, and was previously an American Politician (Manchester). He delivered his inspiring inaugural address on January 20, 1961, in Washington, D.C. when being sworn into office. Kennedy had narrowly won the election so he was aware of the importance of this speech, which afterwards persuaded seventy-five percent of American citizens to vote to express their approval of him(JFK Presidential Library and Museum). He delivered this speech to all the Americans who watched, as well as citizens and leaders elsewhere. The main purpose of his speech was to encourage the new generation of Americans to unite with one another and with others across the world to tackle humanitarian

Kennedy starts by addressing how this was time for new people to begin new things, then moves on to calling for revolution while warning of the dangers of the power getting into hostile hands, and finishes off by showing what can be done if everyone was united. At the beginning of his speech, Kennedy is emphasizing how his inauguration represents a new beginning for America and those who want to join them in revolutionizing. As a way to display his dedication to America, he says, “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago” (Kennedy 2). He references God as a tactic to improve his credibility among his religious audience by showing that he relates to them and that that group of people have support within the office. He also references the Founding Fathers as a way to show that he is thankful for what they did in the past to create a foundation that he can build on for a successful

However, the use of anaphora connects them by voicing that not just one side should be doing these things, and that although someone is an enemy, Kennedy does not wish unpleasant things on them. He also asked the rhetorical question “Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?” (Kennedy 25). By calling out each specific audience member in that last question by using direct language such as the use of the word “you”, he is giving each of them the feeling of responsibility and power. Appealing to the viewers emotions, especially their feelings of power, persuades them to take their own action. In conclusion, John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech continues to display the power leadership has in shaping the course of history. Kennedy begins by highlighting the opportunity for new beginnings and fresh initiatives. He then urges for a revolution while cautioning against the risks of power falling into unfriendly