John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

Shocking events in the late 1950s shook Americans’ confidence and led to a sense of insecurity about the country’s global standing. Three episodes in particular—the Soviet launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite, the rise of Fidel Castro in Cuba, and the U-2 spy plane affair—led Kennedy to argue that the administration of his predecessor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, had diminished America’s image in the world.

The Sputnik 1 launch by the Soviet Union in 1957 dealt a blow to Americans’ self-image. Being the first to launch an artificial satellite into orbit showed an unexpected Soviet technological prowess and led to a sense of unease among citizens in the US about the country’s ability to compete on the global stage. Additionally, the Sputnik launch raised concerns about national security because it demonstrated the Soviet Union’s ability to launch nuclear missiles capable of reaching the US.

Another challenge to American status was the rise of Fidel Castro in Cuba. The US had long been involved in Cuban affairs, supporting the government of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista. However, in 1959, revolutionaries led by Castro overthrew Batista’s government and established a communist regime. The presence of a communist government so close to home alarmed American policymakers, who feared that Cuba would become a staging ground for Soviet aggression in the Western Hemisphere.

The U-2 spy plane affair further damaged American standing. For years, the US had flown secret reconnaissance missions over the Soviet Union using U-2 planes manufactured by Lockheed. In May 1960, the Soviets shot down a U-2 plane and captured its pilot, embarrassing President Eisenhower, who had until then denied that the flights occurred. The incident exposed covert US activities and damaged the country’s credibility.

Responding to these setbacks, Kennedy’s inaugural address attempted to restore America’s global prestige in at least two key ways. First, he outlined a proactive approach to foreign policy. He saw a need for the US to become more engaged in global affairs and to more actively promote democracy and freedom overseas. By standing up to tyranny and oppression, the US could demonstrate its commitment to universal moral values and restore its prestige, especially as a defender of human rights. Second, the speech itself conveyed confidence and optimism. By repeating words like “can,” “do,” “shall,” and “will,” Kennedy projected pride and purpose.