JFK Inaugural Rhetorical Analysis: Rhetorical Situation

After we finish reading Kennedy's Inaugural Address, please clearly answer the following questions at the bottom of your text:

A. OCCASION / CONTEXT: How did current events impact the content of Kennedy's speech?
Period 6
Atomic warfare
Cold War
Vietnam War
Civil Rights Movement
Communism
New nation that became independent after WW11
Space Race

Period 2:

Cold War required Kennedy to call  for strength and moderation in confronting adversarial powers Para 15.

Space exploration / Space race 18

His political victory in the election

The spread of Communism Para 9

Diplomatic relations with S. America Para 10

Poverty around the globe

New countries now free of colonialism

B. AUDIENCES: How did the audiences of this address impact its content?

Period 6
The United Nations
General Population / American citizens
The admin -- congress
Soviets
New nations
Nations developing nukes
Communist nations
Young Americans
Third World Countries

Period 2:
Addresses both sides of the election that resulted in his presidency and calls for unity going forward Para 2

C. SPEAKER: How did Kennedy's position or background impact the content of Kennedy's speech?
He is now President
His generation -- younger
Past political standpoints -- knowledge of American divisions
Soldier // Co -- aware of nature of war
Catholic?

D. PURPOSE: Describe, as clearly as possible, the purpose(s) of the address.
What does the author want the audience to believe
What does the author want the audience to feel
What does the author want the audience to do