Perspectives

In this section, we will help you put John F. Kennedy’s "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech into perspective. We will first give you an idea of how to put the speech into perspective in relation to current issues, after which we will suggest another speech you may compare it …

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Current issues

It may be helpful to consider the current relationship between the US and Russia, as well as the differences within Berlin/Germany today and in the past.

Today, the relationship between the US and Russia remains tense. Their relationship took a particular turn for the worse when Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, resulting in the US adopting a leading role in creating various sanctions to put economic pressure on Russia. In addition, the US has also supported Ukraine's military by offering equipment and economic aid.…

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Textual perspective

You might want to read some other speeches delivered by politicians for comparison.

As Kennedy’s speech is meant to show the support that the US has for West Berlin and West Germany in general, it is a good idea to compare it to President Barack Obama's remarks to the people of Israel, a speech delivered in Jerusalem, in 2013. Barack Obama’s speech, delivered during the then-President’s visit to Israel, is meant to show the support of the US for Israel during the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Both speeche…