Rhetorical Analysis of Jefferson’s Inaugural Speech During Jefferson’s Inaugural speech, following the election of 1800, Jefferson builds a sense of national unity by creating a feeling of nationalism to bond and exceptionalism to give people pride. After the controversial election of 1800, Jefferson uses his speech to prove he is the right man to lead the country to prosperity. After only barely winning, he attempts to show the nation that he won’t let them down. In the beginning of his inaugural address, Jefferson promises to “find resources of wisdom, of virtue, and of zeal on which to rely under all difficulties.” Here he is promising in a way to only make educated decision. He then goes on to ask numbly for the legislatures’ support
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From lines 50-64 he tries to bring out the past and of the nation once fighting the enemy to achieve their goal together. It was the past where citizens put aside their differences and fought for the better of the whole. The fighting for the better of the group is what Jefferson wants. Jefferson also mentions in lines 50-52 that “[we have been] banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered.” By doing this he creates a sense of brotherhood and unity through a common past. By having similar pasts, people can bond and unite together as a stronger nation. He also calls the U.S. government “the strongest Government on Earth.” This evokes a sense of exceptionalism from the citizens. The exceptionalism will bring people together to defend their country together. Towards the end, from lines 83-116, Jefferson lists all the great qualities of the nation. He brings the people together to realize how good they have it. They all have the rights and freedom to “regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement.” This also appeals to the logos because people will think it’s logical for the government to grant these freedoms and step back out of personal life. They’ll know that’s what they want and therefore it’s logical to want to support the government together. Jefferson says the government “shall restrain
From lines 50-64 he tries to bring out the past and of the nation once fighting the enemy to achieve their goal together. It was the past where citizens put aside their differences and fought for the better of the whole. The fighting for the better of the group is what Jefferson wants. Jefferson also mentions in lines 50-52 that “[we have been] banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered.” By doing this he creates a sense of brotherhood and unity through a common past. By having similar pasts, people can bond and unite together as a stronger nation. He also calls the U.S. government “the strongest Government on Earth.” This evokes a sense of exceptionalism from the citizens. The exceptionalism will bring people together to defend their country together. Towards the end, from lines 83-116, Jefferson lists all the great qualities of the nation. He brings the people together to realize how good they have it. They all have the rights and freedom to “regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement.” This also appeals to the logos because people will think it’s logical for the government to grant these freedoms and step back out of personal life. They’ll know that’s what they want and therefore it’s logical to want to support the government together. Jefferson says the government “shall restrain