Final answer:
President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address aimed to inspire a new sense of active citizenship and an American commitment to lead globally during the Cold War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address can best be described by two main statements:
First, to usher in a new sense of active citizenship by challenging Americans to contribute to the public good, encapsulated in the famous line "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."
Second, to set forth the country's determination to lead globally, especially during the Cold War era, and to "bear any burden" in the containment of the Communist threat.
These objectives underscored Kennedy's vision for a New Frontier that called upon Americans to break new ground in various fields such as the space race, the war on poverty, and fostering American values internationally, notably through initiatives like the Peace Corps.
However, achieving a balance between domestic reforms and global commitments remained a significant challenge throughout his presidency. Kennedy's bold rhetoric and ambitious goals aimed to inspire national unity and a collective effort towards a brighter and more proactive future for the United States and its citizens.