AP Language and Composition December 7, 2012 Mr. Houghteling “It’s a Finish it Friday, and because it’s Friday, you know what that means…!”

“ It’s great to be alive!”

AGENDA Finish JFK’s Inaugural Address. USA vs. USSR JFK take-home test.

Homework Complete your Take-home test on JFK! Place ALL answers on a separate sheet of paper.

John F. Kennedy’s Inauguration

JFK Background 1 JFK was the youngest elected U.S. president. JFK was the country’s first Catholic president. JFK defeated Richard Nixon by only 112,827 votes. It was one of the smallest margins of victory in U.S. history, 49.72% of the popular vote.

JFK Background 2 JFK was the first president born in the 20 th Century. On January 20, 1961, the United States were in the midst of the Cold War, an ideological battle against the U.S.S.R.

JFK Background 3 This Cold War was a period of military and political tension. It was so named because it never featured direct military action, since both East and West possessed nuclear weapons, and because their use would probably guarantee the countries’ mutual assured destruction. However, both powers repeatedly engaged in indirect confrontations through proxy wars.