by John F. Kennedy
The Berlin Wall separated West Berlin from East Berlin and surrounding East Germany from 1961 to 1989. The following is an excerpt from a speech given by President John F. Kennedy on June 26, 1963, in West Berlin. Kennedy's speech showed his solidarity with the city's residents and attacked the communist system of East Germany.
Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect. But we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in—to prevent them from leaving us. I want to say on behalf of my countrymen who live many miles away on the other side of the Atlantic, who are far distant from you, that they take the greatest pride, that they have been able to share with you, even from a distance, the story of the last 18 years. I know of no town, no city, that has been besieged for 18 years that still lives with the vitality and the force, and the hope, and the determination of the city of West Berlin.
While the wall is the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of the Communist system—for all the world to see—we take no satisfaction in it; for it is, as your Mayor has said, an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity, separating families, dividing husbands and wives and brothers and sisters, and dividing a people who wish to be joined together.
What is true of this city is true of Germany: Real, lasting peace in Europe can never be assured as long as one German out of four is denied the elementary right of free men, and that is to make a free choice. In 18 years of peace and good faith, this generation of Germans has earned the right to be free, including the right to unite their families and their nation in lasting peace, with good will to all people.
You live in a defended island of freedom, but your life is part of the main. So let me ask you, as I close, to lift your eyes beyond the dangers of today, to the hopes of tomorrow, beyond the freedom merely of this city of Berlin, or your country of Germany, to the advance of freedom everywhere, beyond the wall to the day of peace with justice, beyond yourselves and ourselves to all mankind.
5
Which statement best expresses a central idea in the passage?
A.
President Kennedy believes that the Berlin Wall has protected people in West Berlin from communism in East Berlin and East Germany.
B.
President Kennedy concludes Europe will never have enduring peace as long as communism and the Berlin Wall continue to divide the people.
C.
President Kennedy reasons that the people in Europe should remove the Berlin wall so all the people can be united with their family members.
D.
President Kennedy feels that the government of West Berlin should unite with the communist governments of East Berlin and East Germany.
1 answer
The statement that best expresses a central idea in the passage is:
B. President Kennedy concludes Europe will never have enduring peace as long as communism and the Berlin Wall continue to divide the people.
This reflects Kennedy's view on the broader implications of the Berlin Wall and communism on peace in Europe and emphasizes the need for unity and freedom for all Germans.
