A brief history of presidential inaugural addresses from George Washington to today

The only event required by the Constitution to take place on Inauguration Day is the swearing-in of the president-elect. But on that first Inauguration Day in 1789, George Washington did something else.

He gave a speech.

Every president since has followed his example and delivered an inaugural address as part of the national celebration.

These speeches were more than just a series of personal speeches. Rhetoric scholars Carlin Coles Campbell and Catherine Hall Jamison argue that each inaugural address marks more than just a stage in the rites of political transition. Every music is part of a genre, with characteristics that are expected and understood in some way by speakers and audiences. Beginning with Washington, there have been 59 inaugural addresses, and while they may vary in style or even specific subject matter, nearly all share these characteristics, from calls to unify the country to the formulation of political principles.

I am a curator at the National Museum of American History who specializes in the history of presidential campaigns and campaign rhetoric, and the political history collection there includes some objects that illustrate these characteristics.

Exploring the style of an inaugural address through quotes and past items can help listeners better understand a new administration's opening remarks, the first act of work that begins with the oath of office.

(Re)unification of the Audience

The inauguration is the transition point between the electoral competition and the need for government to begin to govern. In order for the audience to properly fulfill their role as witnesses to the conferral of power, they must be unified and reconstituted as “We the People.”

In the words of political scientist Lee Sigman, these speeches were “literally full of verbal symbols of solidarity.”

There are references to our founders, our country and the future we face. In 1957, Dwight Eisenhower spoke of “what we are committed as a people to achieve,” and Benjamin Harrison called the moment of his 1889 inauguration a “mutual covenant” between him and his people “. In 2001, George W. Bush united his audience and said, “Americans are generous, strong, and decent, not because we believe in ourselves, but because we believe in something beyond ourselves.”

Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural address in 1801 was perhaps the clearest: “We call by different names our brothers of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.”

Reaffirm national values

Incoming presidents must also establish their credentials for the presidency by demonstrating that they understand and will uphold the shared values ​​that are key to what Bill Clinton called “the American idea” in 1993.

These traditional values ​​are expressed in terms such as freedom, freedom, democracy and courage. In 1981, Ronald Reagan reminded viewers: “Individual freedom and dignity are more easily achieved and guaranteed here than anywhere else on earth. In 1977, Jimmy Carter summed up these values ​​as “We are Less, the ever-expanding belief in the American Dream.”

Articulate political principles

Unlike many other presidential addresses, especially the State of the Union, the inaugural address does not advocate specific legislation but rather articulates the more general ideals that will guide the new administration. When policies are proposed, they are less a call to action than a demonstration of the president's commitment to democratic institutions.

In 1845, James Polk promoted his “simple and frugal” economic plan because he said the national debt was “incompatible with the purposes for which our republican government is formed.” Herbert Hoover said the policies he outlined in his 1929 speech would be tested against “American ideals and aspirations.”

Even William Howard Taft was one of the most policy specific figures in his 1909 inaugural address, regarding the “proper role” of the federal government “in what ends it can and ought to accomplish for the people.” ” The characters offer their own perspectives.

perform presidential duties

For obvious reasons, the candidates' speeches were partisan and self-promotional. But when the campaign ends and administration begins, presidents must demonstrate an understanding of their role in the broader system.

At his first inauguration in 1933, Franklin Roosevelt broke out of campaign mode, acknowledging the limitations of his “candid and energetic leadership.” He pledged to work with Congress in accordance with his “constitutional obligations.”

Rhetoric scholars Campbell and Jamison added that these speeches must also fulfill “the public symbolic role of the national president” by revealing traits such as humility and reliance on a higher power. A classic example is the conclusion of Warren Harding's 1921 speech: “I accept my part with single-minded purpose and humility of spirit, and implore the favor and guidance of God in heaven. With these I have nothing to fear, Face the future with confidence.”

Meet etiquette expectations

With celebrations all around, the inaugural address is expected to embody a stylized, ceremonial speech. This type of speech strives to transcend the immediate situation, using memorable phrases to evoke timeless themes.

In 1961, John F. Kennedy challenged Americans throughout the decades: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” “Mystic Chords of Memory” and “We The words “better angels of our nature” are among the most memorable words in presidential speech, and they have been applied to countless situations since Abraham Lincoln first uttered them in 1861.

Not all inaugural addresses achieve great things. Some have been easily forgotten. But each of them sought to live up to those expectations, helping to maintain what Franklin Roosevelt called “our contract with ourselves” in his second inaugural address.