Inaugural Address
JFK
Reading Tasks:
Vocabulary Tasks:
Discussion Tasks:
Writing Tasks:
Essential Question(s):
What did John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address mean to the people of the US, especially during a time
when there was an intense fear of Communism?
What does it mean to us today, as we face a similar, yet different fear (terrorism)?
Text Selection (Background):
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address (January 20th, 1961):
Target Span: 10th grade US History
Reading Standards hit: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5,
Writing Standards hit:
Directions/Introduction
As written, this lesson will guide students through multiple days of looking at a historical document. It is
meant to be a teachable model, but is freely available to be changed based on your students own
unique needs.
What should be understood however, is that with the Common Core State Standards covering literacy in
Social Studies, we need to give our students rich, complex texts in order to deepen their understanding
of our important content, as well as give them opportunities to practice literacy across the content
areas. If this is their first time, it may be rough, but students will get better at it the more practice they
have.
We chose to follow the advice of Mike Schmoker, who, in his book Focus: Elevating the Essentials to
Radically Improve Student Learning, recommends that any vocabulary which could hinder a student’s
understanding be taught in advance (Schmoker, 2011). The Core standards call for students to be able
to identify the meaning of words by the context in which they are used (National Governors Association,
2011), and by pre-teaching the vocabulary here, students still have to do this important step, even
though the vocabulary was taught in advance.
In trying to provide a research based model, for vocabulary we’re following Marzano. Marzano
identifies six steps to teaching vocabulary. We will be combining two steps (provide and restate) and
eliminating step 6 which is practicing with games (Marzano & Pickering, 2005). You may adapt the
lesson to include this step if you choose.
The recommended model for teaching each day is as follows:
Day 1: Provide Student Handout to students. Their document is complete and should be referred to
every day of the lesson. You would then do vocabulary instruction as a group (just the words for the day
from the teacher handout) and then follow the teacher directions within the document itself.
Day 2: Begin with vocabulary instructions, then follow the directions in the teacher Stage 2 handouts.
Day 3: Begin with vocabulary instruction, then follow the directions in the teacher Stage 3 handouts.
How you choose to assess this beyond what is provided here is up to you, but a discussion and activity
based around the focus question is included in Day 3.
Section/Stage 1 Teacher Page
Text Under Discussion
Vocabulary
John F. Kennedy
1
Inaugural Address
Inaugural
Friday, January 20, 1961
Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President
Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend
clergy, fellow citizens, we observe today not a victory of party, but
a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end, as well as a
beginning—signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have
sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our
forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.
Directions for Teachers
Before doing anything, have students LISTEN
to the actual address as the follow along on
their copy
ASK Students: What can you INFER about this
reading just the opening paragraph? What is
this going to be about? How do people feel
about hearing this INAUGURAL address? Who
is the audience of this speech?
Solemn
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal
hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all
forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for
which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe—the
belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the
state, but from the hand of God.
2
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first
revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to
friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new
generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war,
disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient
heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of
those human rights to which this Nation has always been
committed, and to which we are committed today at home and
3
Forebears
Heirs
Summarize paragraphs 2 – 4 in no more than
2 sentences. What is the purpose of stating
this?
around the world.
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, in order to assure the survival and the
success of liberty.
This much we pledge—and more.
To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share,
we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we
cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little
we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and
split asunder.
To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free,
we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not
have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron
tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our
view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting
their own freedom—and to remember that, in the past, those who
foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up
inside.
To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe
struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best
efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is
required—not because the Communists may be doing it, not
because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free
society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few
who are rich.
To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special
pledge—to convert our good words into good deeds—in a new
alliance for progress—to assist free men and free governments in
casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of
hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our
4
Quote of Interest: What does this mean?
Translate this into simpler “English”
5
6
Ventures
7
Asunder
Discussion: Does JFK make this issue just an
issue of the US? Or an issue of the world? Is
he addressing just the US or a much larger
audience?
Tyranny
Break students into small groups and assign
each group a paragraph: They need to 1)
identify the group being addressed (and
translate who exactly JFK means), 2) What
“we” pledge to them
Alliance
Discussion: What does this imply about the
status of the US on the world stage? What is
our responsibility as a result of this status?
8
9
What are we “saving” them from?
neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression
or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other
power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of
its own house.
To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations,
our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far
outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of
support—to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for
invective—to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak—and
to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.
Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our
adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides
begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of
destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or
accidental self-destruction.
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.
Hemisphere
10
Sovereign
Invective
11
Adversary
Who are the “dark powers of destruction
unleashed by science?” (atomic
bombs/nuclear warfare)
Engulf
Important Quote: Think about the context of
this statement in regards to the Cold War.
What is this encouraging? (Which is ironic
considering he is preaching peace earlier)
12
Closing writing/discussion piece: Did your
initial impression of what the purpose of this
piece was going to be line up with how you
feel about it at the end of this first section?
Stage 1 – Additional Information/Instructions/Performance Tasks
Section/Stage 2 Teacher Page
Text Under Discussion
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. Let
us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of
belaboring those problems which divide us.
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.
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the
command of Isaiah—to "undo the heavy burdens ... and to let the
oppressed go free."
And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of
suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new
balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just
and the weak secure and the peace preserved.
All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be
finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this
Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But
Vocabulary
13
Directions for Teachers
Who are the two “great and powerful groups
of nations?” Who is JFK addressing in these
paragraphs? Is it the US? OR is it someone
else? WHY?
civility
14
Sincerity
15
16
Belaboring
JFK dictates a list of things these “two great
powers” should do. Have students list them
by translating them into easy to understand
English.
Important Quote: JFK LOVES to use Chiasmus
(which two or more clauses are related to each
other through a reversal of structures in order
to make a larger point) to make points. What
do you notice about this structure? Why does
he use it? Identify other places in the text
where he uses this Chiasmus and the
messages he is trying to send.
17
Eradicate
18
19
20
Endeavor
Closing Discussion/Writing Piece: What is the
primary purpose of this section of his speech?
Does the audience remain the same from the
first section? Does it shift to a different
audience? What evidence from this section
let us begin.
Stage 2 – Additional Information/Instructions/Performance Tasks
confirms your answer?
Section/Stage 3 Teacher Page
Text Under Discussion
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the
final success or failure of our course. Since this country was
founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to
give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young
Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.
Now the trumpet summons us again—not as a call to bear arms,
though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we
are—but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year
in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"—a
struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty,
disease, and war itself.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance,
North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life
for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been
granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum
danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do
not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other
people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion
which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who
serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do
for you—ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do
for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the
world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice
which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure
Vocabulary
Directions for Teachers
Opening: We’ve been looking at the audience
throughout this speech and how it shifts.
Who has JFK addressed thus far, and who
does he end his speech focusing on?
Summons
Important Quote: According to JFK, WHO is
ultimately responsible for the fate of the
country? Why does he place the responsibility
on this group?
21
22
Embattled
23
Tribulation
24
Forge
Use of language: It’s interesting to note that
JFK wants to forge against his enemies, not
necessarily forge with them a global alliance.
Alliance
25
26
Probably the MOST famous line from this
entire speech. Why is this line so powerful?
Interestingly enough, most people don’t
remember the next line. What is JFK
suggesting about the problems the world
faces through this second line? And what
does the first line about the US suggest the
role of the US is in the larger picture?
reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to
lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but
knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.
Conscience
In a time where the interests of the US are
pulled in many directions, what does the
bolded line say about the role of the US on the
global stage?
Throughout this entire speech, JFK places
responsibility for certain things on certain
groups of people. Thinking of the principles
on which this nation was founded, what does
the last line of this speech say about WHO is
responsible for the perseverance and
preservation of these principles?
Closing discussion/writing:
What did John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural
Address mean to the people of the US during
a time when there was an intense fear of
Communism?
What does it mean to us today, as we face a
similar, yet different fear (terrorism)?
Stage 3 – Additional Information/Instructions/Performance Tasks
Student Page
Text Under Discussion
Vocabulary
John F. Kennedy
1
Inaugural Address
Inaugural
Friday, January 20, 1961
Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President
Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend
clergy, fellow citizens, we observe today not a victory of party, but
a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end, as well as a
beginning—signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have
sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our
forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.
Solemn
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal
hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all
forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for
which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe—the
belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the
state, but from the hand of God.
2
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first
revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to
friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new
generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war,
disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient
heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of
those human rights to which this Nation has always been
committed, and to which we are committed today at home and
3
Forebears
Heirs
My Thoughts/Notes
around the world.
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, in order to assure the survival and the
success of liberty.
This much we pledge—and more.
To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share,
we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we
cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little
we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and
split asunder.
To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free,
we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not
have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron
tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our
view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting
their own freedom—and to remember that, in the past, those who
foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up
inside.
To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe
struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best
efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is
required—not because the Communists may be doing it, not
because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free
society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few
who are rich.
To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special
pledge—to convert our good words into good deeds—in a new
alliance for progress—to assist free men and free governments in
casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of
hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our
4
5
6
Ventures
7
Asunder
Tyranny
8
9
Alliance
neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression
or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other
power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of
its own house.
To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations,
our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far
outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of
support—to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for
invective—to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak—and
to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.
Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our
adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides
begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of
destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or
accidental self-destruction.
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. Let
us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of
belaboring those problems which divide us.
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
Hemisphere
10
Sovereign
Invective
11
Adversary
Engulf
12
13
civility
14
Sincerity
15
16
Belaboring
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.
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the
command of Isaiah—to "undo the heavy burdens ... and to let the
oppressed go free."
And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of
suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new
balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just
and the weak secure and the peace preserved.
All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be
finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this
Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But
let us begin.
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the
final success or failure of our course. Since this country was
founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to
give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young
Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.
Now the trumpet summons us again—not as a call to bear arms,
though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we
are—but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year
in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"—a
struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty,
disease, and war itself.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance,
North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life
for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been
17
Eradicate
18
19
Endeavor
20
21
Summons
Embattled
22
Tribulation
Forge
23
24
Alliance
granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum
danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do
not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other
people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion
which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who
serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do
for you—ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do
for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the
world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice
which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure
reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to
lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but
knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.
25
26
Conscience