An Analysis of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Speech After the Pearl Harbor Attack

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It was the day that we would live in infamy; it would be the day that we would remember the most. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese naval forces bombed Pearl Harbor when least expected. We were unprepared for such an attack that it led us to entering World War II. While the rest of the country was still in shock of what had happened, this tragic event is an event that no one can ever forget and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s speech had just the same significance. He urged Congress for a declaration of war that resulted to an entry of World War II. Although the speech was written to declare war, President Roosevelt also wanted to urge the people of the country to support the war efforts. To this day, the speech is most recognized for its effectiveness in logical, ethical, and pathetical proofs for declaring war with Japan. The ethical proof of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s speech is obvious as he is the President of the United States. Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s speech already established credibility for his position in government because many people viewed him as a trustworthy leader. According to The White House, "he was elected President in November 1932, to the first of four terms" (The White House). Being elected for four terms shows that he is fit and trusted for the position of president. Roosevelt is the only president that served four consecutive terms so it shows that the people of his country trusted him to make the judgment to declare war on Japan. Although most speakers would use statistics and logic to prove or persuade their audience, Roosevelt's title in government and long term service is most creditable in his speech. With this creditability, Franklin Delano Roosevelt mostly relied on pathetical proofs... ... middle of paper ... ...n peace. Roosevelt wanted to retalite because if they did not declare war, they the nation would be seen as a weak and defenseless. According to the A&E Network, "young men flocked to armed forces recruiting stations the next day and both houses of Congress quickly voted to declare war on Japan, with only one dissenting vote" (A&E Television Networks). This shows that Roosevelt's speech had motivated everyone including Congress to take matter into their own hands. He created a sense of nationalism that resulted in motivation and inspiration in the country. President Roosevelt is a key player in the war effort with his decisions of declaring war. Not only it has given patriotism in the United States, he motivated his audience with logical, ethical, and pathetical proofs. It is clear that President Roosevelt had promoted nationalism and security within the nation.

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