Presidential Speeches: JFK's Way to Inspire America
Inaugural AddressOn January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy delivered the inaugural address that would define his presidential career. He began assembling the speech in late November, using suggestions from his friends, advisors, and colleagues. The memorable phrase "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country," expressed the sacrifice of the American people that Kennedy believed should be carried out in various ways.
Commencement AddressOn June 10, 1963, John F. Kennedy delivered a "peace speech" at American University. He negotiated with the Soviet Union to discuss a Nuclear Test Ban Treaty to help reduce international conflicts and end the Cold War. Attendees were asked to reconsider their attitude toward peace after hearing the quote "If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can make the world safe for
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Address on the Nation's Space EffortOn September 12, 1962, John F. Kennedy took the podium at Rice University with hopes of inspiring the new generation to beat the Soviet Union in the race to the moon. In doing this, he announced that “This nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before
the decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.” His speech shifted the space race from low to high. Address on Nuclear Test Ban TreatyOn July 26, 1963, John F. Kennedy spoke over radio and television on the establishment of a treaty that banned atmospheric nuclear weapons tests. Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the realization occurred that the nation had come too close to a nuclear war. After 12 days of negotiations, the Soviet Union agreed to ban testing. After the agreement, JFK affirmed that a limited test ban “is safer by far for the United States than an unlimited nuclear arms race.”
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