History 12

Rachel McMillan
UNIT SIX
Kennedys Speech

Some historians believe that Kennedys speech frightened the American people, while
others believe the speech was designed to reassure the American public. Provide four examples of
evidence from this speech from both sides of the argument by quoting directly from the speech.
I. Quotes Which Support that the Speech was Intended to Frighten American People
i. Unmistakable evidence has established the fact that a series of offensive missile sites is
now in preparation on that imprisoned island. The purpose of these bases can be none
other than to provide a nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere.

In the first few sentences of his speech, Kennedy immediately denounces the safety of
American citizens. Such a statement provokes widespread fear, as he did not speak of the
possibility of the presence of nuclear weapons, or the possibility of a nuclear strike, but
instead spoke with certainty that a nuclear strike from Cuba was the only viable outcome.
ii. Each [medium range ballistic missile] is capable of striking Washington, D.Cor any
other city in the southeastern part of the United StatesAdditional sites not yet
completed appear to be designed for intermediate range ballistic missiles [and
are]capable of striking most of the major cities in the Western Hemisphere.

By revealing crucial and harrowing details of the Missile Crisis to American citizens,
Kennedy undoubtedly frightened the population. Not only did Kennedy ensure that
Americans were aware of the extreme capability of such missiles, but also made the
population fear their lives, as they now believed they could easily become a target.
iii. Let no one doubt that this is a difficult and dangerous effort on which we have set out,
no one can foresee precisely what course it will take or what costs or casualties will be
incurred.

As Kennedy openly stated that he was unsure of the results which may be incurred due to
the Missile Crisis, Americans were left to draw their own conclusions. Ultimately, this
would have resulted in more fear among citizens, as one of the most predominant fears is
that of the unknown. At this point, many Americans would have begun to think and fear
the worst due to their lack of knowledge.
iv. Nuclear weapons are so destructive, and ballistic missiles are so swift, that any
substantially increased possibility of their use or any sudden change in their deployment
may well be regarded as a definite threat to the peace.
In this statement, Kennedy reveals what is potentially at stake to the citizens of the United
States. Not only are the lives of American civilians and military personnel at risk, but the
peace of the entire world.

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II. Quotes Which Support that the Speech was Intended to Reassure American People
i. Our historydemonstrates that we have no desire to dominate or conquer any other
nationOur policy has been one of patience and restraint, as befits a peaceful and
powerful nationWe have been determined not to be diverted from our central
concerns by mere irritants and fanatics.

In a time of fear and uncertainty, Kennedy consoles his citizens by confirming admirable
intentions on behalf of the American government. He reminds the population that the
ultimate goal is not submission from Cuba, but simply peace between the nations.
ii. Acting, therefore, in the defence of our own security and of the entire Western
HemisphereI have directed that the following initial steps be taken immediatelyI
have directed the continued and increased close surveillance of CubaI have directed
the Armed Forces to prepare for any eventualitiesWe are asking tonight that an
emergency meeting of the Security Council be convokedOur resolution will call for
the prompt dismantling and withdrawal of all offensive weapons in Cuba

Kennedy reassured the American population by sharing his plan of action. This
demonstrated that the United States government was actively attempting to defend the
nation, and was ready and willing to act on behalf of its people. Furthermore, it gave
Americans the impression that they would be fully informed of any developments in the
Missile Crisis.
iii. I speak to you as a friend...as one who shares your aspirations for liberty and justice
for all

By speaking on a personal level, Kennedy endears himself to both the American and
Cuban public. This encourages Americans to put their faith in the president as their
leader, and assures them that he has their best interests at heart.
iv.

The cost of freedom is always high but Americans have always paid it. And one path
we shall never choose is the path of surrender or submission.

Kennedy restores the confidence of the American people in the government by evoking
feelings of American nationalism and pride. By using this emotion, Kennedy increases
the likelihood that citizens would support his decisions.

Choose one side of the argument and explain how you concluded that this was the intention
of Kennedy. The explanation should explain your position by providing evidence and reasoning to
support the position.
I believe Kennedys true intent in his deliverance of the speech regarding the Cuban Missile
Crisis was to create fear among the people. The President would employ such a tactic in order to garner
support of his decisions from the people if it ever became necessary to enact offensive maneuvers. During
his speech, Kennedy released terrifying details of the capability of the missiles located in Cuba, which
wold not have been necessary to share if the ultimate objective was to keep American citizens calm.
Furthermore, the American government would benefit if Cuba was feared or viewed as an enemy in the

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eye of the American public, as Cuba reflects the values of the Soviet Union, and therefore communism.
Policies which combatted communism created in the future would be understood and supported by the
public due to their fear, and would ensure the survival of Kennedys political reign.