Jonah Martinez Megan Cochran College Prep English 6/15/23 Learned Hand’s Three Keys to America America, since well before its founding, has a certain, often idealized, image of itself. It is often depicted as a sort of golden land on the hill that promises freedom and success. Whether or not this idea is consistent with reality is up to the individual. However, during the Second World War, there was no better way to strum up morale than to keep this idea alive. In order to do that in Learned Hand's “I am an American Day Address” given during the height of WWII, he states there are three main keys to this great America, liberty, people, and courage. Liberty is one of the bases of our constitution and also a key that Hand uses to compel his audience. America was born out of liberty, or freedom, during the American Revolution. Referencing this, Hand states, “ We sought liberty; freedom from oppression”. This liberty is a cornerstone of the American identity and a reminder of America's status on the world stage. Without this key, Hand would be unable to create a uniting figure in his speech. And without that uniting figure, the people listening wouldn’t feel the same effects the full speech gives. …show more content…
Without people, the ideals hand gives would mean nothing. America is only as strong as the people it relies on, and those peoples' image of America influences their choices and beliefs. “And what is this liberty which must lie in the hearts of men and women?”. These people's beliefs influence the generation of revenue from war bonds and finance for the war effort. Hand references the people to do exactly that by reminding them of their beliefs, therefore boosting morale and generating support for the