On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy gave a speech
before Congress to address the need to accelerate the U.S. space program. The
primary audience for his speech was members of Congress, who were asked to
consider additional funding for the space program. Pressure from NASA and
competition from the advanced Russian space program heavily influenced
Congress’s stance on additional funding. With success in space playing such a
significant role in the U.S.’s projection of power, Congress could not allow
itself to be responsible for a potential loss to Russia.
It might be helpful to describe what Congress' views were on the acceleration of the U.S. space program. Did the majority agree with Kennedy or did he face a lot of opposition? If there was opposition, what was the reasoning? This sort of information will help to give context to Kennedy's talking point in his speech.
ReplyDeleteI feel like an important part of what needs to be discussed here would be the political climate of the time. This would give your reader a better understanding of Congress' point of view, Kennedy's point of view, and the public's climate. Why was NASA pressuring Congress? So what that the Russian space program was more advanced? This might be a good place to hyperlink out and attach a little bit of history background to your post.
ReplyDelete-Louie
I agree with Taylor and Louie. Not only should you expand upon what Congress' views were but you should also describe in more detail what the public's views were because although Kennedy's main audience was Congress, congressmen represent the views of their constituents (the public). I think by further discussing these views, you will give your audience a better idea of why Congress needed convincing in the first place.
ReplyDelete-Madi Au