John F. Kennedy's Inauguration

This section explains John F. Kennedy's Inauguration in the context of the Cold War. When John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States in January 1961, the tension between the superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, had reached a critical point. The Cold War, characterised by ideological and political rivalry, had intensified, and the possibility of direct military conflict was looming larger than ever. The period saw a division in the approach to handling Soviet aggression and the broader Cold War crisis.

Within the US government, there were two prominent factions advocating differing strategies. Some officials, known as hawks, favoured a more aggressive stance against the Soviet Union, arguing that only through a policy of brinkmanship—deliberately pushing situations to the edge of war—could the Soviets be forced to back down in any confrontation. This group believed that strength and assertiveness were essential to securing peace and ensuring that the USSR would not expand its influence.

In contrast, there was a significant faction of policymakers who advocated for diplomacy and negotiation, preferring to resolve differences peacefully rather than risking military confrontation. These individuals were referred to as doves, symbolising their desire for peace and their opposition to escalating conflicts. They believed that tensions could be diffused through dialogue, rather than through aggressive military posturing.

Upon taking office, Kennedy made it clear that he was more aligned with the hawk perspective, adopting a firm stance against the Soviet Union and international communism. His rhetoric and policies signalled a departure from the more conciliatory approach of his predecessor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had been seen by some as too cautious and reluctant to challenge the Soviets directly. Kennedy’s uncompromising tone marked a new chapter in the Cold War, with many seeing him as a figure committed to confronting Soviet power head-on.

The Berlin Crisis

One of the first major crises Kennedy faced was the situation in Berlin. Since the end of World War II, Berlin had been a flashpoint between East and West, with the city divided into communist East Berlin and capitalist West Berlin, even though it was located deep within East Germany. In 1961, the East German government, backed by the Soviet Union, decided to build the Berlin Wall, which physically separated East and West Berlin, and further symbolised the growing divide between the communist and capitalist worlds.

Kennedy’s response to the Berlin Crisis was critical, as it was one of the first tests of his leadership. He was determined to stand firm against Soviet attempts to gain control over the city, as the United States had committed to defending West Berlin and ensuring that it remained a symbol of freedom and democracy in the heart of communist Europe. Kennedy’s strong rhetoric during this period further solidified his hawkish image, as he made it clear that any attempt by the Soviets to seize West Berlin would not be tolerated.

The Berlin Wall became a symbol of the Cold War and the physical manifestation of the ideological divide between East and West. Kennedy’s handling of the crisis would play a key role in shaping his foreign policy legacy and further define the course of the Cold War.