Rhetorical Analysis Of Fdr's Speech

On December 7, 1941, the United States of America was attacked by the Japanese naval and aerial forces on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. Preceding the devastating event, FDR addressed to Congress to declare war on the the Japanese Empire. The nation was in heartache and devastated for the many American lives lost that day. FDR knew how to get the people of the nation to understand that the attack on Pearl Harbor called for a war. He uses convincing tactics addressed to his audience to demonstrate that a declaration for war was imperative. FDR uses emotional words, his position of authority, and his knowledge of foreign conflicts between other countries to rally the American people to support the war effort.

Before the United States declared war on the Japanese Empire, the United States was in a state of neutrality. After World War I, President Roosevelt determined it vital for the U.S to remain out of foreign affairs. WWI drastically affected the U.S economically by causing an increase in inflation and as a result, corporations and companies started to reduce wages and lay off workers (Effects of WWI). Therefore, President Roosevelt signed the Neutrality Acts in the 1930s. These acts declared that the United States would not get involved in any European war (Encyclopedia).However, when Britain and France entered war with Germany, FDR

The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation” (Address to Congress). He is stating what he believes the majority of the nation has already decided, and that is that war is imperative after this attack. He is motivating and exciting the audience to believe that justice for this attack will happen, and that “the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory” (Address to