President John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address Primary Source Analysis

Students will read and analyze JFK's inauguration speech by answering 23 questions (a mix of academic, creative, and opinion). An answer key is included where appropriate and this would work for a sub!

 Sample questions include: 
--What does JFK believe people have the power to accomplish? 
--Why does JFK promise to remain allied to our international friends?
--Why does Kennedy promise to stretch America’s reach into “huts and villages of half the globe?” How would his reasoning be accomplished and do you think it would better serve Americans or those in the “huts and villages” and why?
--In the second half of the first page of the speech, how does JFK allude to America’s Cold War goals without specifically using the words “Cold War?” 
--How does the “so let us begin anew” paragraph bridge the tone of the first page with what follows on the second page?
--Are Kennedy’s goals too lofty? Why or why not? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.
--Does the phrase, “historic effort,” make his case/argument more convincing/persuasive, why or why not? 
--Why do you think Kennedy doesn’t specifically use the words Cold War or Soviet Union in his address?

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