Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Essay Example

Analyze the context for the source

The context of the speech is that it’s being delivered during a very epic and urgent time in American history and it’s being delivered by the President of the United States during a moment of national and global crisis. The events that occurred during Pearl Harbor resulted in starting World War II. This was not just a small incident, but a major event that had global and historical ramifications. Up until FDR gave this speech, American had been exercising a Foreign policy of not getting involved. The events of Pearl Harbor did not just result in the United States getting involved in World War II, but it resulted in the United States changing their foreign policy about interfering with the conditioned of other nations around the world. This speech was the pitch the American government gave to the American people that convinced them to give into the policies that we know today.  The serious nature of the speech is the first aspect the President gets across, when he addresses the audience. The president says, “Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives” (FDR). Here the all of the key listeners are being addressed, but also the president is aware his speech is being heard around the globe so he is presenting his argument to gain support for the war he is declaring with this message. This speech is the epitome of a persuasive argument in that the speaker is trying to convince an entire nation to go to War, and history shows the speech served its purpose.

Analyze the rhetorical appeals.

Ethos

The character and authority of the speaker, in this case Franklin Delano Roosevelt, is a presidential character and authority. This is not to imply that everything he says is taken to be absolute fact, or royal, but because the subject matter of the speech is so urgent and serious and he represents the most reputable source of information in regards to the U.S. and it’s place on the international stage.

Pathos

FDR caters to the beliefs, morals and values of the audience by emphasizing the two facts, one that America was attacked by Japan, and two the country was attacked for no justifiable reason. The core belief shared by many individuals especially during this time when national pride and the belief in the American dream was still intact. These particular American citizen don’t have immediate access to the same level of media that exists in contemporary climate. FDR focuses heavily on the concept that America is the victim and that retaliating back is simply about securing national safely, not revenge.

Logos

FDR bring logical reason into his speech when it’s obvious he is trying to justify an act of war. To clearly point out that America has now entered into war, whether they like it or not, FDR says, “In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island” (FDR). By the time FDR has made this point there is no arguing with him that Japan is on the attack. The irony is that only one minor aspect of the U.S. is attacked while Japan focuses numerous of their attacks on other countries. The urgency is stressed to the listener, and there is a clear feeling that time is of the essence. The president wants the American people to feel like the country is in attack, or get attacked again mode.

Analyze the style used in the source

The style of the speech is very professional in both tone and formality. FDR paces his words, almost as though he is aware the speech must be understood not just by all classes of people and all generations, but alls eras as well. Keeping with the tradition of executing timeless poise in speech delivery, common of many presidents, FDR is class act and ahead of his time. The word choice is very concrete as he is a leader, giving an important historical speech. Also as this event represented the very first time a force from outside the U.S. attacked us on American soil other than the American Revolution,

Analyze the organization of the source

Roosevelt’s speech is a cause to effect speech. His basic argument is that Japan has attacked us for no reason, and without warning, so we will now retaliate. The basic format of the speech is that Roosevelt is saying, “this is what happened;” the cause is Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and the effect is what we are currently doing now. Near the end of the speech he points out that the U.S. is not waiting to attack but that plans have already been put into effect to retaliate accordingly.

In sum, FDR does an exceptionally good job at persuading the American people it’s time to go to war with Japan. The best part of the president’s speech is the epic feeling it gives the listener. The presidents goal is to prepare the American people for a war, the orals of which FDR does not want to be questioned. The closing statement of is a formal justification of war with Japan, as noted, Japan has, “therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. 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 (FDR).” By the time the president says these words, the listener already feels as though it is their idea, and not the decision of the U.S. government.

Self Analysis

When writing this analysis, I found it difficult to analyze the President on a human level. Being that the speech was so long ago, I had difficulty reviewing it as just a speech and not and major historical moment. One comparison I kept finding myself making was to compare FDR’s speech in response to Pearl Harbor with President George W. Bush’s reaction to 9/11. The main difference I noticed between the two was that FDR spent a lot of time explaining why war was the only option.

I specifically searched for as many examples as possible to reference. There were many key lines that touched on the feeling of the time as well as the sentiment of the speaker. The problem with the speech is that, since FDR is a figure from the past, even if he was presidential and be compared to past presidents. Especially in regards to pathos, logos, and ethos, I searched for solid concrete examples to demonstrate that the president had clear intentions of directing, and in a way manipulating, his audience.

Finally, my response to the speech was that I felt it was very moving to see the President in the moment speaking about such a significant event as the attacks on Pearl Harbor. This is a historical moment that in many ways feels larger than life, until one is able to see the video, and then the entire event is cut down to a real life perspective. This tells me that sometimes it’s ok to learn about your profession, in the process of actually doing it. Never before had FDR faced an event as serious as this and he delivers the speech poise, class, and dignity.