http://hist380.ferrellhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Project-3-1-Eisenhower-Inagural-addresses.pdf
3 thoughts on “Eisenhower’s Inaugural addresses”
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http://hist380.ferrellhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Project-3-1-Eisenhower-Inagural-addresses.pdf
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I find it unlikely that many politicians today would agree with Eisenhower’s idea to never trade honor for security. Joking aside, I find Eisenhower’s inaugural address quite good. Both he and the world have gone through a turbulent period of human history, and it shows in his speeches. I did read Obama’s 2009 address for comparisons sake, and found that many of the same themes show up in both: living in a troubled time, hope in the abilities of free people, a quest for peace, etc. Do you think that Eisenhower lived up to the plan he set forth here, or do you think this is little more than a pretty speech?
(I pledge 112)
I have noticed that presidential addresses–inaugural and State of the Union–present impressive general principles . . . and generally the same ones. Then, reality enters the picture when one tries to explain what each means. As presidents have limited powers–they can promise to do this or do that, but Congress can say no and refuse to provide the financial support or administrative tools–many of their talks are directed to American voters who have power over Congress. Plus, surprises disrupt even the likeliest of policy implementations. Consider the U-2 Incident at the end of Eisenhower’s second term–and, as we shall see, the assassination of President Ngo Dinh Diem in South Vietnam in 1963 . . . followed only three weeks later by President Kennedy’s assassination.
Both inaugural addresses by Eisenhower had drastically different tones. As you states during his 1953 address he spoke about avoiding wars, and not imposing our views on other countries. This idea essentially disappeared in his 1957 address where he speaks about needing to combat communism. Why do you think this happened? I imagine it would have to do with internal pressures within America, and the growing fear of communism. Did anyone point out his switching opinion? It would definitely be interesting to read about what his critics said about this. Overall a really great project! You clearly read the inaugural addresses analytically. (I Pledge 102)