Friday, September 18, 2009

Eisenhower's Farewell Address

Class Discussion Questions

  1. What "Aha" moments did you have while reading Eisenhower's speech; in other words, what statements made you think and why?
  2. What was Eisenhower's motivation for giving this speech?
  3. What is the historical context of the speech?
  4. What, if anything, is Eisenhower leaving out?
  5. Do you notice any bias in the speech? Where?

Causes and Effects of War

In your notebook, create a multi-flow map that analyzes the causes and effects of war according to President Eisenhower's 1961 speech. Some of your causes and effects will require inference while reading. In other words, what is Eisenhower saying between the lines? In the frame of the multi-flow map, include the direct quotations from the text that support your cause and effect boxes.

Your Opinions


  1. Do you agree with any parts of the speech? What and why?
  2. Do you disagree with any parts of the speech? What and why?

Potok's Opinions

What would Chaim Potok say about this speech? What textual support from Davita's Harp do you have for your ideas on Potok's opinions?

Continue the Discussion

If you would like to comment further on this topic, feel free to post a blog comment this weekend here.

The speech video clip and the full text can be found in a previous blog post.

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