1. What is the author arguing?
Eisenhower is giving his last speech as President of the United States. He used this final speech to voice his concerns for the future and what he hoped and thought should take place for the future of a peaceful nation. He starts by speaking of the country and his accomplishments and his concerns amongst them. "Understandably proud of this pre-eminence, we yet realize that America's leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment." His arguments lie in the concern of "grievous hurt both at home and abroad." He speaks of our emmence military strength and his concern for military industrial complex. "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex." His arguments have a constant theme of the future of this country needs to be in the hands of its people. "Only an alert and knowledgable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together."
He speaks of the importance of time. "you, I, and our government --must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convinience, the precious resource of tomorrow." and continues on to say "we want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow."
2. How does the author appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (the writer’s perceived character) with their argument?
He spoke with respect for the country and its people." I thank you for the many opportunities you have given me for public service in war and peace." He was not just giving his opinions to call the shots but making logical suggestions for a peaceful nation through genuine concern and apparent knowledge. He speaks knowledgably as not only the leader of the country but with military expertise. He speaks of "mutual trust and respect." He acknowledges what he was unable to accomplish and recognizes his own "definite sense of dissappointment." Because of his readiness to address his disappointment in his actions as well as praise of accomplishments he makes himself seem human and not just this almost unreal public figure "President". I thought this statement however simple it was left me trusting his opinion, "But, so much remains to be done. As a private citizin, I shall never cease to do what little I can to help the world advance along the road." He backs up all his concerns with valid points about how times have changed and how this nation is one of military and technolgical developments now.
3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?
This documents signifigance lie in the warnings Eisenhower gives the American people in his last nights as President. He spoke alot about military industry and the arms race. It is interesting to note the focus he had made on the creation of nuclear weapons throughout his presidency and how in this speech he speaks of such concern for the country over one of his decisions. Eisenhower really focused on the importance of democracy. He knew that the country was at risk of military dominance and was able to voice his last bits of wisdom as the trusted leader of this country.
4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?
Yes, I found Eisenhower's speech convincing. He showed genuine concern and admiration for this country. His speech was spoken in a manner of calculated thoughtful suggestion. He was respectful of the American people and his successor and used these last moments in power to warn the Nation. His background as a General and President makes his credibility stronger as well.
1. Eisenhower uses his farewell address as an opportunity to thank Americans for the growth he has witnessed while serving as president. Eisenhower stresses the importance of military power (in order to maintain strength and therefore peace) and he encourages America to continue its quest to be a strong example to the world. Eisenhower also stresses the importance of thinking of the future, and asks the country's citizens and future presidents to comply with his request to work together to enable the United States to continue in peace and prosperity.
ReplyDelete2. Eisenhower appeals to the readers' emotion by revealing his- he speaks of the pride, fear, and sadness he is experiencing while leaving office. Eisenhower appeals to the readers' logic through his confident statements of the actions he has taken to make the country better- and he also puts responsibility onto every citizen to help continue America's fruitful future:
"Steady progress toward our ultimate goal has been made. But, so much remains to be done. As a private citizen, I shall never cease to do what little I can to help the world advance along that road."
Eisenhower's character is seen through what he expresses as important to him: peace, successful economics, and the working people.
3. Eisenhower's farewell speech marks the end of a presidency that revived world peace (while maintaining a strong military), and one that truly gave "power to the people".
4. Eisenhower's speech is very convincing- he is clearly devoted to America and is hopeful positive changes will continue to take place after he has left office.
1) I agree with your summary, but would also emphasize his cautionary tone noting that the growth of the military-industrial complex threatens the growth and peace that he is striving to see. He warns that the business of building weapons can influence America's outlook in a negative way.
ReplyDelete2) I agree on your statement about Eisenhower showing his own emotion. He gives a very clear look into his dread and hope and hammers it home by reminding about the war he has witnessed and participated in.
His call to logic is well cited by you. I also noticed his logical argument to the danger introduced by the creation of an industry with the sole purpose to produce weapons. He uses logic to show how this new industry has the ability to influence politics in a bad way, whether by purpose or unintended consequences.
His character comes through his reminding those listening that he is a citizen as well as other Americans and that he has spent decades devoting his life to America, starting at West Point to the end of his presidency.
3) I would also add that there is an air of sorrow at the end of Eisenhower's farewell speech. He does note the progress made so far as you pointed out, but he also notes that there is still far more to do to promote peace in the world.
4) I agree that his speech is very convincing. In the light of where the military-industrial complex has progressed today, I am afraid some of Eisenhower's fears are coming about. There continues to be an increase in military spending and influence. Some decisions are currently being made that appear to be closer to "security theater," such as body scanners in airports. The scanners cost millions to install and do not really provide wholesale protection as they are not required for use on all people, just a select number. When looking deeper, you find that these devices are being sold by a company that is being represented by a former White House appointee. The deeper you dig, the more it appears that the military/security complex is working its way into the government with the real goal of making more money by cultivating fear. I believe Eisenhower would point to this speech as evidence of his misgivings and again point to the direction Americans should take.
Good job on your analysis! Eisenhower's speech was very convincing. From his speech, you can tell that he wishes nothing but the best for America's future. I agree with you that he has many concerns about the country's future especially upon America's military power. I feel that he appealed through many emotional qualities. In this quote he mentions about how grateful he is of everything Americans have accomplished during his presidency. "In this final relationship, the Congress and the Administration have, on most vital issues, cooperated well, to serve the national good rather than mere partisanship, and so have assured that the business of the Nation should go forward. So, my official relationship with the Congress ends in a feeling, on my part, of gratitude that we have been able to do so much together." Also, I agree with you that it didn't seem as he was just giving opinions on how to make the country a better nation, but he used logic by including his experiences and knowledge. "Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose." I thought this was a very powerful quote that is very beneficial for creating a more peaceful nation. Overall, Eisenhower's speech clearly showed that he had great hopes for America's future after he leaves the office.
ReplyDeleteOne of the first things that struck me in this speech is Eisenhower's opening; he takes pains to thank the press, and I believe that this is a sign of an era coming to a close. Just a handful of years later, the U.S. will be in the thick of the Vietnam War, and the press will no longer be the President's ally in whatever pursuit he chooses. Rather, that relationship will be irrevocably broken. That discord between public discourse and executive goals is, I believe, one of the reasons we find our political dialogue so divided to this day. Not that the press should echo the President's every sentiment, but that the uniformity of address (particularly as far as reporting on wars and conflicts) is very different now.
ReplyDeleteFor all his praise of Congress and their partnership, our text states pretty explicitly that the relationship was not all that rosy. Eisenhower did manage to complete some civil rights legislation (with the very notable exclusion of Native peoples), and he did also win some ground on education, but Congress fought him tooth and nail on many other initiatives.
Eisenhower also continues to beat the drum of Containment as official doctrine. This is an emotional issue, where he fans the flames of a national identity that has been forged through (as he notes) numerous terrible wars. This idea of protecting democracy and freedom puts him in a philosophical bind. While he warns against the military industrial complex (which will perpetuate war in order to sustain itself), he speaks the language of nationalism, designed to separate out a national identity as worthy of preservation, and as superior based on its innate virtues (i.e. his discussion of liberty, dignity, freedom, human achievement &cetera).
That philosophical question aside, his logical argument about the dangers of a militarized society are deeply compelling. From economic to technological, the intermingling of military and civilian processes renders them unable to exist without one another, and this is a problem we wrestle with to this day.
I agree with you and everyone above me that Dwight Eisenhower's speech was very convincing. He was really looking for the best of our country. I really liked how he mentioned how we should "use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment." It seemed like he was not focused on the present, but was focused on the future and long-term goals for the country and also America's part in the world. Another thing that I noticed he was focused on was peace. He had mentioned it throughout his whole speech. But his biggest topic was the military. I agree with you that his speech was calculated and thoughtful. His speech was all positive and had good suggestions on what America should do.
ReplyDelete1. Since Eisenhower is giving his final speech as being president, he is arguing for a better future for the American citizens and for the country. He reflects on the accomplishments the country had made overall in his time of office, and looks on to the future. He wants the United States to follow in such a path where we can not only make living in our own country better, but also other countries and the world as a whole. He emphasizes the power the US has in it’s economy, military, and country and explains how he wants the country to use that in the future to help better the world as a whole.
ReplyDelete2. Eisenhower displays ethos in the tone in which he gave his speech. Looking back at his presidency, Eisenhower feels proud of the accomplishments of the country and the citizens. He also expresses a bit of sorrow of him having to leave office, but then makes up for it by pointing to a better future for the United States. Logic came when Eisenhower used the accomplishments the country had made during his residency and used them as an example for what the citizens can do, and urged Americans to reflect on it in order to make the future even better.
3. Eisenhower’s speech is certainly significant in American history as it is the end of a great presidency, which believed the citizens can help to ensure a better future and the country as a whole can be at peace with other countries.
4. I do find Eisenhower’s arguments to be convincing for the most part, but would have to disagree on his thoughts of having a future with “world peace.” Using today as an example, no matter how many countries want to pursue a peaceful world, there will always be [at least] one nation whose outlooks will be completely opposite. Today’s example of such a nation can be North Korea, and past examples can be Cuba and the Soviet Union.
I like how you explained why Eisenhowers speech was convincing to you because I had almost the same thoughts. He was basically retiring from 8 years of a tough, frustrating and intimidating job of being President of the United States. He had to govern a country through a cold war and a post-war economy, this was not an easy job. All this responsibility and the nations eyes on your every action and word was not an easy thing to live with, but he did it well and Americans were pleased with him. When he was finally stepping done with his job and retiring, he so kindly and genuinely stepped down. He didnt just dismiss his duty and retire quickly to get it over with but in his speech still shared advice and wisdom with his citizens to further prosper and live in this country. He talked about how Americans needed to keep peace with their military establishment and not to go overboard. Eisenhower was very experienced and he was a former military officer so he knew what he was talking about. He wanted America to continue to be successful and at peace with other nations so he offered advice on how this should happen with the military and industrial complex of their country. He also talked about how Americans needed to control the use of resources, time and move towards disarmament and away from war. Like you said he used these last moments in power to warn the Nation and he did this beacuse he cared so much and wanted to help this country as much as he could. He was definitely a genuine and thoughtful man who loved his people and im sure they were sad to see him go.
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