John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address Practice Flashcards

When John F. Kennedy took office in 1961, the United States was locked in a potentially explosive stalemate with the Soviet Union and its allies.
As fierce adversaries in the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were stockpiling nuclear weapons, creating the possibility of a disastrous war that could destroy the earth.
The transcript identifies the "dark powers of destruction unleashed by science" as a specific reference to nuclear war.

The occasion is described not as a victory of a party, but as a celebration of freedom.
- It symbolizes both an end and a beginning.
- It signifies renewal as well as change.
The oath of office taken before the audience and Almighty God is the same solemn oath prescribed by the nation's forebears nearly a century and three quarters ago (approximately $175$ years).

The world is characterized as being very different in the modern era because man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish both all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.
Despite technological changes, revolutionary beliefs remain at issue globally:
- The belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.
Americans are identified as the heirs of that first revolution.
A message is sent to both friends and foes that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans:
- Born in this century ( $20^{th}$ Century).
- Tempered by war.
- Disciplined by a hard and bitter peace.
- Proud of ancient heritage.
- Unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of human rights to which the nation has always been committed at home and around the world.

A general pledge is made to every nation, whether they wish the U.S. well or ill: the United States shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
To Old Allies: For those sharing cultural and spiritual origins, the pledge is the loyalty of faithful friends.
- United, there is little that cannot be accomplished in cooperative ventures.
- Divided, there is little that can be done, as the nation dare not meet a powerful challenge while at odds and "split asunder" (divided or torn into separate pieces).
To New States: For those newly welcomed to the ranks of the free, the pledge is that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more "iron tyranny."
- While they may not always support the U.S. view, it is hoped they strongly support their own freedom.
- A warning is issued using a metaphor: those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.

To People in Huts and Villages: For those throughout half the globe struggling against the bonds of mass misery, the pledge is to help them help themselves for whatever period is required.
- The motivation is because it is "right," not because the communists may be doing it or because the U.S. seeks their votes.
- A moral principle is stated: if a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
To the Americas (Sister Republics): A special pledge is offered to convert good words into good deeds in a new "Alliance for Progress."
- The goal is to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty.
- This is termed a "peaceful revolution of hope."
- A warning is given to hostile powers: the hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house, and the U.S. will join neighbors to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas.

To the United Nations: Described as the "last best hope" in an age where instruments of war outpace instruments of peace.
- The pledge is to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for "invective" (negative, aggressive language that seeks to harm).
- The goal is to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak and enlarge the area in which its "writ" may run.
To Adversaries: A request is made for both sides to begin anew the quest for peace before the powers of destruction engulf humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.
- Weakness is not an option; only when arms are sufficient beyond doubt can a nation be certain they will never be employed.
- Both groups of nations are overburdened by the cost of modern weapons and alarmed by the spread of the "deadly atom."
- Both are racing to alter the "uncertain balance of terror" that stays the hand of mankind's final war.

Principles for negotiation:
- Civility is not a sign of weakness.
- Sincerity is always subject to proof.
- Never negotiate out of fear, but never fear to negotiate.
Proposed joint actions for both sides:
- Explore what problems unite the sides instead of "belaboring" (focusing on too much) those that divide.
- Formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms.
- Bring the absolute power to destroy under the absolute control of all nations.
- Invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors.
- Explore the stars, conquer deserts, eradicate disease, tap ocean depths, and encourage arts and commerce.
- Heed the command of Isaiah: to "undo the heavy burdens… [and] let the oppressed go free."
The objective is to create a new world of law, where the strong are just, the weak secure, and the peace preserved.

The success or failure of this course rests in the hands of the citizens more than in the hands of the President.
Since the founding of the country, each generation has been summoned to give testimony to national loyalty.
The "trumpet summons" is described not as a call to bear arms or a call to battle, but a call to bear the burden of a "long twilight struggle."
This struggle is against common enemies of man:
1. Tyranny.
2. Poverty.
3. Disease.
4. War itself.
A "grand and global alliance" is requested, across North, South, East, and West.

The role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger is one that should be welcomed, not shrunk from.
The energy, faith, and devotion brought to this endeavor will "light our country and all who serve it."
The most famous directives of the address:
- "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."
- To citizens of the world: "Ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."
The standard requested of the government is the same high standard of strength and sacrifice asked of the people.
The final reward is a good conscience, with history as the final judge.
The closing sentiment: "Knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."