Fdr's Ethos Pathos Logos

December 7th 1941- A date that will live in infamy.” This is the first line of one of the most famous speeches given in American history. This speech, given by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared America’s intention to enter into World War Two. This speech was given to try and persuade Congress and the American people to enter into World War Two. After hearing the news, the country was still in absolute shock after hearing of the attacks of Pearl Harbor. Even though the tone and purpose of this speech was to persuade Congress, he also wanted to rile up the American citizens to want to go to war as well. FDR’s use of both pathical and logical proofs proved themselves extremely effective in stirring up America’s desire to declare war

After being elected four times, it is plausible to say that he was trusted very much with the information he gave, or else they wouldn’t have elected him to serve four straight terms. Other speakers have to use facts and statistics; however, Roosevelt does not have to do this the ethos he has created does it for him. Adding to his ethos, FDR gives a significant number of details about the attack on Pearl Harbor. With the details that Roosevelt provides, it establishes how true these facts actually are. If FDR had simply stated that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor, it probably would not have been taken to the severity of what it actually was, and details proved how serious this attack actually was. This attack was in a class one attack because the total number of people killed was 2,403. The military personnel that was killed was 2,335. 2,008 of that being navy personnel, 109 marines, and 218 army. Also, the civilian casualties were 68. FDR provides examples of the attacks to try and appeal to the nation to protect the United States from being invaded or attacked. Even after the attack on the Twin Towers, both George Bush and Franklin Roosevelt seen preemptive warfare was necessary to protect against and prevent further

In addition to the emotional nature of this event, it makes complete sense that FDR’s speech is heavily based off appeals to the emotions of the American citizens and government officials. At the beginning of the speech, his mood and the tone suggest that this attack was serious. This serves to hit the hearts of the American people and make them angry about the attacks and eager to retaliate. President Roosevelt utilizes the “we won’t stand for being attacked like this” tone in his address. FDR also provides the people with a reason to be upset with Japan. In his speech, he calls this an “unprovoked and dastardly attack,” portraying the Japanese as inhumane attackers. This was a key element in using pathos because he used in his speech to call people to was, and it proved effective for making people want to fight. Angered soldiers fight so much more effectively than other soldiers. FDR’s message of “come defend your country” and it provided people with a purpose to fight, rather than simply have a decent job with a fair amount of payNot only did he inspire people to fight for the country, he condones it by saying that it was the right thing to