History was made in Washington this week as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States in front of a crowd of two million people.

President Obama made an impassioned and emotional speech to the multitude of people who had braved the elements to witness the inauguration¹ of America’s first African-American President.

President Obama’s speech touched on many subjects of significance to the American people, including the fragile state of their economy and security matters such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But he began by addressing his personal feelings on his election and the weight of responsibility he felt in taking on such an important office.

"I stand here today humbled² by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed³, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors," said President Obama.

The President went on to talk about the fears that many Americans have that their country is becoming less successful and diminishing as a global power.

He spoke⁴ of a "sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging⁵ fear that America's decline is inevitable⁶, and that the next generation must lower its sights".

However, President Obama continued to say that America would respond to the challenges before it, and that the nation would pull together and overcome its problems by working together in a spirit of co-operation.

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity⁷ of purpose over conflict and discord," said the President.

After such a stirring speech, the world waits to see if America’s new president’s actions will match his lofty words and ideals.