After reading The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln and the Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy, is it clear though the text shared several similarities and differences. Both presidents discuss the nation and how powerful the nation can possibly become if the people were to unite. Also, another shared concept was that all men were created equal. Lastly, both Lincoln’s and Kennedy’s intention were to grant the nation liberty and freedom.  

However, there was obvious differences amongst the president’s speech. For example, in Lincoln’s speech, he emphasized the issue the nation was undergoing at the time which was the civil war. He states, “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war” (Lincoln, 324). He expressed about how important it was to recognize and honor the people who had been fighting the battle and for those who have died. It was the living’s duty to be “dedicated to the great task remaining before us” (Lincoln, 325). On the other hand, Kennedy’s goal was a bit different. He was focused on himself and conveying to the people how he would lead the nation and its people to solving their issues rather than discussing the issues like Lincoln did and actually including the people and their relevancy to the nation. For instance, “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 to assure the survival and the success of liberty”(Kennedy, 464). Kennedy spoke more about himself as a leader.  

In addition, another distinction I noticed was the different approaches on the issues of the United States each of them had. Lincoln’s speech included how he thought the problems of the nations would be solved while Kennedy gave the people hope that something would be done in regard to the issues occurring. For example, Lincoln began his speech declaring, “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” (Lincoln, 324). With this, it is clear that he believes the issue of the US is the discrimination and insisted that there needed to be equality amongst the nation. On the contrary, Kennedy gave the people of the nation hope that the situation will get better. He attempts to instill this hope and aspiration in people by declaring, “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” (Kennedy, 467). He goes on to explain what both sides of the issue need to do to ensure the issue be resolved to hopefully motivate the people of the US to take action.  

Though Lincoln and Kennedy differed in thoughts a bit, both their intentions initially are bringing on peace and freedom in the United States. Through their speech, they express their thoughts on where the US is failing the people and what needs to be done.  

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