Analysis Of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Day Of Infamy Speech

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“I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire,” said President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his Day of Infamy Speech given after the attack at Pearl Harbor. By reading and analysing speeches by presidents of the United State asking congress to declare war, readers can better understand America’s state at the time of these attacks, and the aftermath and influence of the speeches themselves. On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the United States at the island of Oahu, Hawaii at our navy base, Pearl Harbor. On September 11, 2001, the terrorist group, Al Qaeda, attacked the World Trade Center in New …show more content…

First, he had a strong call to action. His speech reads, “I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us,” (Roosevelt, 2). This example demonstrates emotional appeal through strong and encouraging language. He also uses the pronoun “us” to signal a “we are all in this together” feeling when he describes the attack. President Franklin D. Roosevelt goes on to say, “Always remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory,” (Roosevelt, 2). These lines toward the end of his speech are his strong “call to action” and are meant to inspire Americans to support the war effort. Additionally, Roosevelt delivers this speech in the Capitol building in front of Congress. Setting is an important contributor to ethos and his speech being given directly to Congress in the Capitol shows that he is working hard and serious about proposing a declaration of war. A video about Pearl Harbor and the beginning of World War II says, “...surging above the fear is a wave of patriotism and outrage. Within 30 days of the attack, over 134,000 men enlist for service,” (History.com Staff, 3:50). One can see from this quote that Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech had an emotional impact on Americans, and in result, increased

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