Rhetorical Analysis Pearl Harbor Speech

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s address to congress after the attack on Pearl Harbor persuaded and reassured American citizens that the losses we have endured as a country will be honored and avenged. The speech informed the congress and public of details on the previous attacks on Pearl Harbor by Japan. While presenting this speech, Roosevelt described these attacks as “unprovoked and dastardly” and explained that steps would be taken “gain the inevitable triumph.”. Roosevelt used his position in leadership as president wisely by illustrating how the United States of America will respond to these attacks and how they will prevent events like this going forward. His speech implies that his people should feel protected from future attacks as he claims

While doing this, Roosevelt does not fail to express the urgency and importance of the necessary actions that will be taken in result of the attack. Roosevelt states in a somber tone, “I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost”, he mourns the American lives lost and exemplifies his care for all lives affected by this attack. The speech evoked a range of emotions in the American people, including shock, anger, and determination. While this surprise attack from Japan caught the American government off guard, President Roosevelt handled and addressed it in a timely and confident manner. This reaction from the president helped calm the nerves of the American citizens and gave them hope for progression of the country after this major

His quick declaration of war on Japan reassured the American people that they were comfortably able to trust and put their faith into his hands in times of desperation. In a timely manner, Roosevelt conveyed the emotions of the American people whilst creating a plan for vengeance towards America’s newfound opponent. The president’s firm and encouraging tone helped educate the American people on the current crisis and how he will lead the nation to recovery. His “unbounding determination of our people” also helped further unify the United States of America during this