Question

On September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivered a speech at Rice University Stadium in Houston, Texas, in which he appealed for support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s program to land humans on the Moon. The following passage is an excerpt from Kennedy’s speech. Read the passage carefully. Compose a thesis statement you might use for an essay analyzing the rhetorical choices Kennedy makes to accomplish his purpose. Then select at least four pieces of evidence from the passage and explain how they support your thesis.

In your response you should do the following:
Respond to the prompt with a claim that establishes a line of reasoning.
Select and use evidence to develop and support your line of reasoning.
Explain the relationship between the evidence and your thesis.
No man can fully grasp how far and how fast we have come, but condense, if you will, the 50,000 years of man’s recorded history in a time span of but a half-century. Stated in these terms, we know very little about the first 40 years, except at the end of them advanced man had learned to use the skins of animals to cover them. Then about 10 years ago, under this standard, man emerged from his caves to construct other kinds of shelter. Only five years ago man learned to write and use a cart with wheels. Christianity began less than two years ago. The printing press came this year, and then less than two months ago, during this whole 50-year span of human history, the steam engine provided a new source of power.

Newton explored the meaning of gravity. Last month electric lights and telephones and automobiles and airplanes became available. Only last week did we develop penicillin and television and nuclear power, and now if America’s new spacecraft succeeds in reaching Venus, we will have literally reached the stars before midnight tonight.

This is a breathtaking pace, and such a pace cannot help but create new ills as it dispels old, new ignorance, new problems, new dangers. Surely the opening vistas of space promise high costs and hardships, as well as high reward.

So it is not surprising that some would have us stay where we are a little longer to rest, to wait. But this city of Houston, this State of Texas, this country of the United States was not built by those who waited and rested and wished to look behind them. This country was conquered by those who moved forward—and so will space.

William Bradford, speaking in 1630 of the founding of the Plymouth Bay Colony, said that all great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and both must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage.

If this capsule history of our progress teaches us anything, it is that man, in his quest for knowledge and progress, is determined and cannot be deterred. The exploration of space will go ahead, whether we join in it or not, and it is one of the great adventures of all time, and no nation which expects to be the leader of other nations can expect to stay behind in the race for space.

Those who came before us made certain that this country rode the first waves of the industrial revolutions, the first waves of modern invention, and the first wave of nuclear power, and this generation does not intend to founder in the backwash of the coming age of space. We mean to be a part of it—we mean to lead it. For the eyes of the world now look into space, to the moon and to the planets beyond, and we have vowed that we shall not see it governed by a hostile flag of conquest, but by a banner of freedom and peace. We have vowed that we shall not see space filled with weapons of mass destruction, but with instruments of knowledge and understanding.

Yet the vows of this Nation can only be fulfilled if we in this Nation are first, and, therefore, we intend to be first. In short, our leadership in science and in industry, our hopes for peace and security, our obligations to ourselves as well as others, all require us to make this effort, to solve these mysteries, to solve them for the good of all men, and to become the world’s leading space-faring nation.

We set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained, and new rights to be won, and they must be won and used for the progress of all people. For space science, like nuclear science and all technology, has no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man, and only if the United States occupies a position of pre-eminence can we help decide whether this new ocean will be a sea of peace or a new terrifying theater of war. I do not say the we should or will go unprotected against the hostile misuse of space any more than we go unprotected against the hostile use of land or sea, but I do say that space can be explored and mastered without feeding the fires of war, without repeating the mistakes that man has made in extending his writ around this globe of ours.

Answer 1

Thesis Statement: In his speech at Rice University Stadium, President John F. Kennedy effectively utilizes historical references, a sense of urgency, national pride, and a call for responsible leadership to rally support for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's program and emphasize the importance of the United States taking the lead in space exploration.

Evidence 1: Kennedy employs a historical timeline to highlight humanity's rapid progress. He mentions milestones such as the discovery of gravity by Newton, the invention of the printing press, and recent developments like electric lights, telephones, and nuclear power.

Explanation: By showcasing the significant advancements achieved in a relatively short time, Kennedy emphasizes the potential for further progress in space exploration. This evidence supports the thesis by demonstrating the necessity of embracing new frontiers and not falling behind in the race for space.

Evidence 2: Kennedy acknowledges the challenges and risks associated with space exploration, stating, "Surely the opening vistas of space promise high costs and hardships, as well as high reward."

Explanation: This evidence supports the thesis by acknowledging the difficulties and dangers that come with venturing into space. It underscores the need for courage and determination, reinforcing the idea that the United States should not shy away from the challenges but instead strive to lead the way.

Evidence 3: Kennedy appeals to national pride and the spirit of progress, stating, "This country was conquered by those who moved forward—and so will space." He highlights the accomplishments of previous generations and the importance of maintaining leadership in science and industry.

Step-by-step explanation:

Explanation: This evidence supports the thesis by evoking a sense of patriotism and emphasizing the United States' historical legacy of being at the forefront of industrial and technological advancements. It urges the nation to continue its tradition of leadership by actively participating in space exploration.

Evidence 4: Kennedy asserts that the exploration of space should be driven by peaceful and noble intentions. He states, "We have vowed that we shall not see space filled with weapons of mass destruction, but with instruments of knowledge and understanding."

Explanation: This evidence supports the thesis by aligning the goal of space exploration with the pursuit of peace and knowledge. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of responsible leadership and portrays the United States as a nation dedicated to using space exploration for the betterment of humanity. This further strengthens the argument for the country's active involvement in space endeavors.

Overall, these rhetorical choices by Kennedy effectively support the thesis by appealing to historical progress, creating a sense of urgency, invoking national pride, and emphasizing responsible leadership in space exploration.