In addition to message, word choice and length, he recognized that captivating his audience required a powerful delivery. Though not the shortest of inaugural addresses, Kennedy’s was shorter than most at 1,355 words in length and, like Lincoln’s famous speech, was comprised of short phrases and words. The finely-crafted final speech had been revised and reworked numerous times by Kennedy and Sorensen until the President-elect was satisfied. He assigned Sorensen the task of studying other inaugural speeches and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to glean the secrets of successful addresses. As he’d remarked to his close advisor, Ted Sorensen, “I don’t want people to think I’m a windbag.” In preparing for this moment, he sought both to inspire the nation and to send a message abroad signaling the challenges of the Cold War and his hope for peace in the nuclear age. His audience reached far beyond those gathered before him to people around the world. Kennedy, having removed his topcoat and projecting both youth and vigor, delivered what has become a landmark inaugural address. Against a backdrop of deep snow and sunshine, more than twenty thousand people huddled in 20-degree temperatures on the east front of the Capitol to witness the event. Kennedy took the oath of office to become the nation’s 35th president. On January 20, 1961, a clerk of the US Supreme Court held the large Fitzgerald family Bible as John F. There is a link to President Kennedy’s inaugural address on this page. Students should be familiar with the concept of the inauguration of a president (see Additional Resources). propose an idea for civic action in their own school or community.explain the quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.”. analyze and interpret a primary source to gather information about President Kennedy’s inaugural address.In this lesson, students learn about a theme in President Kennedy’s inaugural address, civic action, and consider how it applies to their own lives.Įssential Question: How does a leader inspire a nation or a group of people? His historic words, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” challenged every American to contribute in some way to the public good. Kennedy’s inaugural address inspired children and adults to see the importance of civic action and public service. Subject Area: US History, Civics and US Government, English Language Arts Topic: Campaign, Election, and Inauguration Kennedy Presidential Library and Museumĭownload this lesson plan, including handouts, as a pdf.
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