Rhetorical Analysis Pearl Harbor Speech

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Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the thirty second president of the United States. He served as President for twelve years and during those years he faced some big hardships. One specific one he faced in office was the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941 the U.S. was attacked by Japan. Franklin wanted everyone to know that it was time to fight back and defend the country. He explained to America what happened, how the country needed to fight back and what he would do as a leader. A few hours before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States and Japan were on the road to agreeing on conservation of amity in the Pacific. Just an hour or two after that, bombing started taking place in Oahu, Hawaii. Japan’s bombing raids killed two thousand four hundred and three people, including sixty-eight civilians and wounded almost one thousand two hundred (History.com). America believes that the attack was scheduled many weeks or days …show more content…

Franklin included repetition in the speech to explain the many places Japan attacked the night before. He told congress that America needed to fight back for the safety of the nation. Franklin stated all methods of defense would be used. Even though the odds may have been against America at the time, he was determined to make it all good. After his speech on December 8, World War II began. Roosevelt showed great strength as a leader. One of his famous quotes was, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” (History.com). He was willing to do whatever it takes, he showed that whenever he said, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion.” He quoted, “As commander and chief in the Army, all measures must be taken.” He informed Congress and America that he would take extreme measures that is why he insisted a war exist between Japan and America. As leader of the country, he showed courage and