JFK’s Inaugural Address

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival

and the success of liberty.”

Main Idea

JFK’s inaugural address was a call for the nation to give back to the country and to

expect less from the government, and there was a warning to the USSR not to mess with

the United States.

Point of View/BiasKennedy remains active with his words by

never relenting on the main goal he has of unison between two opposing forces.

He made strong appeals to emotion, by making a connection with the everyday American citizen.

He personalized his speech in looking forward to the future while using the past as an example.

InferencesJFK addressed the blessing it is that

Americans have the many freedoms they do have, but notes that with freedom comes responsibility.

His main challenge is for all nations, foe and friend, to come together and unite for the greater good of the world

The speech was drafted by Kennedy's speech writer Ted Sorenson, and draws heavily from Lincoln's Gettysburg address.