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"But I trust that no one in this vast assemblage will agree with those sentiments. For the problems are not all solved and the battles are not all won—and we stand today on the edge of a New Frontier—the frontier of the 1960's—a frontier of unknown opportunities and perils, a frontier of unfulfilled hopes and threats.

Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom promised our nation a new political and economic framework. Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal promised security and succor to those in need. But the New Frontier of which I speak is not a set of promises—it is a set of challenges. It sums up not what I intend to offer the American people, but what I intend to ask of them. It appeals to their pride, not to their pocketbook—it holds out the promise of more sacrifice instead of more security.

But I believe the times demand new invention, innovation, imagination, decision. I am asking each of you to be pioneers on that New Frontier. My call is to the young in heart, regardless of age—to all who respond to the Scriptural call: 'Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed.'

There may be those who wish to hear more—more promises to this group—or more harsh rhetoric about the men in the Kremlin—more assurances of a golden future, where taxes are always low and subsidies ever high. But my promises are in the platform you have adopted—our ends will not be won by rhetoric and we can have faith in the future only if we have faith in ourselves."

— John F. Kennedy, Nomination Speech

January 20, 1961

What was Kennedy's purpose in making these statements?
A.
to challenge Americans, especially young people, to join him in the fight for change in this new era
B.
to convince America's youth to sign up for the military to assist the war effort in Vietnam
C.
to uphold the decisions made by past presidencies and promise to continue their policies
D.
to reflect on the failures of previous administrations and solutions to fix the current problems

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Kennedy's purpose was to inspire Americans to embrace the challenges of the 'New Frontier' and contribute to national progress, rather than offering a set of specific promises.

Step-by-step explanation:

John F. Kennedy's purpose in making these statements during his Nomination Speech was A. to challenge Americans, especially young people, to join him in the fight for change in this new era. His speech outlined the concept of the 'New Frontier', which was not just a collection of promises, like those seen in Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom or Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, but rather a series of challenges. He sought to inspire a pioneer spirit among Americans, urging them to contribute to national progress and to embrace the fight against unknown opportunities and perils. Kennedy's vision of progress extended beyond domestic policy, as he inspired the creation of the Peace Corps and sought to improve the United States' role in international affairs. His speech avoided making specific, easily quantifiable promises and instead called for collective effort and sacrifice from the American people.

User Derek Organ
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