Verified Document

Inaugural Addresses By U.S. Presidents Term Paper

"We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed. But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course. Both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war. So let us begin anew, remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof." Kennedy wished to suggest that it was in the national interest of both nations to talk and engage in diplomacy or official dialogue -- even while America was steadily building up its military arsenal and interventionist efforts in the name of anti-communism. Kennedy was not hypocritical in confirming his interest in diplomacy yet justifying a military build-up in the name of peace -- rather, his words reflect the difficulty of his mission in giving the speech (on reason it was so carefully phrased). Kennedy wished to draw a line in the sand and say that the Soviet Union could not extend its sphere of influence beyond its current borders, and tip the balance of power of the two superpowers by acquiring new nations. A bipolar balance of power, the idea that the world was equitably...

Kennedy did not want to antagonize a nation with a nuclear capability, and he also wanted to demonstrate to the international community that the United States had peaceful intentions -- and to persuade the American public that some sort of rapprochement with the Soviets was demanded. But he also needed to take a stand against further Soviet territorial encroachment.
The fundamental philosophy and stated policy of Kennedy's speech was realistic, in terms of the Soviet threat, but his use of language was idealistic, stressing that both nations had a common human interest that could overcome immediate concerns of self-interest. Kennedy even suggested cooperation was possible, while still vowing to empower U.S. scientists to win the race to the moon: "Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations. Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce." Exploration of human possibility should be the aim of all peoples, urged Kennedy, whether American or Soviet.

Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

U.S. Capability to Support Two
Words: 1658 Length: 4 Document Type: Thesis

Moreover, the lack of support from the American public brings to fore an issue raised by Grover (3) with the deployment of U.S. military personnel in various parts of the world. As many of these deployments have "the potential for violent conflict," this calls for "the need to respond quickly and decisively," which is hinged on the "unambiguous support of the American people." There is no other U.S. president

Inaugural Addresses Wilson and Eisenhower
Words: 1192 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

Great nations of Europe have fought their bloodiest wars." However, he implies that it is uncertain whether this new epoch is benevolent or malicious, asking Americans "Are we nearing the light -- a day of freedom and of peace for all mankind? Or are the shadows of another night closing in upon us?" In explaining his plan, Eisenhower employed a conspicuously organized, almost military style containing nine strategic objectives, or

U.S. Federal Government Recognizing the
Words: 534 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

In years to come, the slavery system would be abolished and African-Americans would eventually achieved equality in their own country and with their fellow white Americans, demonstrating the 'balanced' role that the U.S. government assumed in ensuring that Americans' interests are taken into consideration without causing detriment to other groups and individuals (pro or against the slavery system). Slavery is just one aspect of America's history wherein balanced representation of

U.S. Before 1865 President Thomas
Words: 1289 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

President Thomas Jefferson offered Napoleon the emperor of France $2 million dollars for the region around the mouth of the Mississippi River, which included the port of and city of New Orleans. Ohio Valley farmers relied heavily on admittance to New Orleans, and President Thomas Jefferson wanted to guard these farmers, because they sent their crops down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, from which ships took the products

U.S. Presidential Election of When Considering the
Words: 1004 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF When considering the context of American history, 2012 was a year that saw many important anniversaries. One of these was the 100th anniversary of the critical U.S. Presidential Election of 1912. Some of the important players in this election were Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, Woodrow Wilson, and socialist Eugene Debs. This election was historic for a number of reasons, some of which the paper will expound

Presidents in My Opinion My
Words: 2043 Length: 6 Document Type: Term Paper

George H.W. Bush George Herbert Walker Bush, possibly the most underestimated president of recent times, is my choice for the fifth spot. It is perhaps understandable why Bush Sr. is often excluded from most people's list of "great" U.S. Presidents; unlike "activist" presidents such as Franklin Roosevelt or his predecessor, Ronald Reagan, Bush carried out his job in a low-key manner but did his job competently. This is precisely why I

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now