Behind Inaugural Speeches, Meaningful Words
What words do presidents focus on most in their inaugural addresses? Explore speeches, from Washington to Obama
- By Mark Strauss and Brian Wolly
- Smithsonian.com, January 05, 2009
Wordle is an application that takes text from any source and enlarges words that appear more frequently. Conversely, words that are smaller appear less frequently. Small words, like the or of, are not included in the Wordles above. (www.wordle.net)
George Washington delivered his first inaugural address before a joint session of Congress in New York City’s Federal Hall on April 30, 1789. Washington, stepping into the newly created role of president, spoke of the importance of government’s duty to the public. He was deferential to his fellow patriots, almost hesitant to take on the role of the leader of the nation: “I shall again give way to my entire confidence in your discernment and pursuit of the public good.”
Read the full speech at: Bartelby.org
Comments (7)
With all due respect to Bernice, I agree with Mr. Wellman, as should any student of history. Can you imagine if this nation was not founded on the principal of the separation of church and state? Which religion/church do you recognize? All of them? Catholicism did not agree with Protestantism. Within the Protestant churches, the Church of England did not agree with the Baptists or Presbyterians. And what of the Jewish faith? What of the citizens who had no faith? Anyone want to think about Ireland for a moment? The official separation had to be part of the new government. Where Pres. Washington shines as a statesman is his hunbleness is taking this job, his refusal of any compensation, his beseeching the new governement to vote with the best interests of Americans in mind, not separating into parties or private agreements, and to remind his new government they must earn the respect of the world by governing justly. A refreshing change over what occurs now.
Posted by John E. Truitt on February 3,2009 | 08:06 PM
What a terrific idea! I too have heard of wordle before. Your use of it to highlight past inauguration speeches will work great in my lesson this week. I am going to have the students analyze the wordle, determine what events might have been happening in history at that time, and then later infer what words President Obama would be included in his inaugural speech that would make a great wordle.
Posted by Donna Clemente on January 19,2009 | 03:53 PM
thats awsome
Posted by jean on January 12,2009 | 02:33 PM
I agree wholeheartedly with everything Mr. Bogdan has written. I am so sick of hearing all the putdowns on the founding fathers and how they weren't religious. Mr. Washington remains my all time favorite of history. I wish we could go to him for advise on how to defeat the revisionist and preverters who are intent on defeating the set aims of this country with its' beautiful constitution. Those men worked diligently to establish a document that would stand the test of time!! It did, until the so-called educational elite needed something to destroy to prove their superiority! No way. Americans are going to pay the price for allowing it to happen. Bernice Peter
Posted by Bernice Peter on January 10,2009 | 03:50 PM
What a neat idea! I knew of wordle, but I never thought of using it in application to history. I teach 8th grade U.S. History and I may spend some time using this idea to link past to present as we approach Jan. 20. Don't worry, I'll give credit where it is due. Thanks!!!
Posted by Lawrence Bruce on January 10,2009 | 01:14 PM
After reading George Washington's inaugural speech I read nothing in it that suggests that the church and state were meant to be anything but separate. In those days most people were "churched" and reference to God in public life was expected. It should be noted, however, that many of the original colonies were founded under different religious tenets: there were Quakers, Congregationalists, and I'm sure, even Church of England believers. In order for these colonies to form a union the government, by design, had to agree not to promote any particular brand of religion. And, there were probably agnostics and athiests as well to appease in the design of a government that tried to honor the idea of "loving your neighbor as yourself." I also was impressed with Washington's sense of duty.
Posted by Keith Wellman on January 9,2009 | 01:01 PM
I really was impressed with President George Washingto's inaugeral address and wish to thank you for making it available. He disproved the popular modern allegations of so-called experts who've perverted history with their pathetic claims of the seperation of church and state! These know it alls have defiled the greatest document, ever designed by man---the United States Constitution! Shame on them!! Another of the best-kept secrets is that Washington refused any kind of salary, or compensation. None of our recent politicians could hold a candle to this gret man!
Posted by Vince Bogdan on January 8,2009 | 05:58 PM