TA: President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1961 Farewell Address.

Who is giving the speech?
President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1961 Farewell Address.
Who is the audience:
United States citizens.
Who does the speech represent:
United States citizens.
What is being said, argued, and/or requested:
President Eisenhower is issuing both a warning and a request to the American public and government leaders. He is warning Americans to be aware of the potential repercussions of a fast-developing “military industrial complex” overtaking society’s policy making, free enterprise, scientific research and other important aspects of life. Though he advocates America to continue to be militarily strong, he is very adamant about not letting free enterprise and even free will be overtaken by government defense contracts and big money, thus turning the country into a military state. He is requesting that Americans, their leaders, and members of the world community, focus on future peaceful means to settle differences and conflicts and to avoid the battlefield as another world war would undoubtedly bring an end to all the progress of civilization that has been built up over centuries. He, too, is advising balance between government intervention and the private sector when it comes to social programs and other economic problems and not to be tempted to solve problems through excessive government programs.
How is it being said, argued, and/or requested:
As a transition is being portrayed of mass production and conformity, that has never before been seen in American history, the President is giving a warning to the public and government leaders to not give into the temptation and sway of high paying military contracts. He is carefully explaining the negative impacts of giving into the allure of high paying government contracts overtaking the private sector. He is also advocating the need to practice good, balanced decision making between domestic policies and limited government interference in the economy and social programs.
What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request:
References to the President’s personal experience / historical examples of the previous World Wars / technological changes that America has gone through / changes in the world as a whole particularly after the most recent events of World War II (Cold War, etc.).
What is the historical significance/relevance of this speech:
This speech is a warning to Americans as a new era of mass production and military strength has arrived after the world changing events of World War II. It is also an admonishment to both current and future government leaders at home, and in the world, to push for peaceful solutions and avoid war.
How does this document’s premise or theme fit into the historical context you are reading about in your textbook?
Just like the U.S. military has grown larger and become more powerful so has the United States. With the Cold War now in effect the world has become a more complex place to live in as two major super powers with vastly different ideologies in now poised against each other with the capability to destroy the world (nuclear weapons). President Eisenhower is warning the American public and its leaders to make careful decisions regarding both domestic and foreign policy.