ERA 9: Postwar United States (1945 to early 1970's)
On History, by John F. Kennedy
Guiding Questions
What is the relationship between historical events and the leaders of the time?
How does time change our views of various historical events and leaders?
Can history ever really be viewed objectively?
Question Focus Examples For Task 24: History matters.

Kennedy at his desk
Teacher-to-Teacher
Kennedy’s comments, written more than 60 years ago, pertain not only to the time period in which he was leading the nation, but to all the historical eras of American History. It’s interesting to explore the relationship between the leaders of the time and the events of the time, analyzing what polarizing presidents said before, during, and at the end of their time as leader of the United States. Although this collection includes speeches from Washington, Lincoln, Nixon, Reagan, and Obama, the words and actions of any historical figure—president or otherwise—could be analyzed in light of Kennedy’s observations. Kennedy’s passage could be used to begin and to end any history course.
- On History (February 1964 | Volume: 15, Issue: 2) articles_ah
- All People Are Living Histories—Which Is Why History Matters historical_documents
- Declaration of Independence historical_documents
- George Washington's Farewell Address historical_documents
- Gettysburg Address historical_documents
- Richard Nixon’s "Checkers" Speech historical_documents
- Ronald Reagan’s “Evil Empire” Speech historical_documents
- Barack Obama’s Keynote Address historical_documents
- American Presidents: Greatest and Worst Siena’s 7th Presidential Expert Poll 1982 - 2022 historical_documents