Woodrow Wilson 1917 War Message Analysis

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In Woodrow Wilson’s 1917 War Message, he announces the German Naval forces have controlled the waters that surround Great Britain and Ireland. Wilson first attacks German Naval forces by appealing to the laws of humanity, and argues that the Germans are breaking these universal laws, and he concludes with fear by informing that the German’s have cut their supplies, and are sinking any ship that sails near the isles. His purpose is to appeal to fear and emotion in order to conclude to war. Wilson has a strict, powerful audience in mind because he presents his speech to Congress. Wilson opens with a mere seriousness, by stating the dangers the German forces have brought to the enemy forces of Germany by closing their ports. He explains his disbelief with Germany as they abolish the international laws and metaphorically states that they’re controlling the “free highways of the world,” and how he wants to exploit them without “throwing to the winds all scruples of humanity.” He approaches with a serious, fearful tone to show the inhumanity Germany is showing and their country needs to start fighting back to keep …show more content…

Wilson uses emotion and slaughters them with the news their inculpable families will face their wrath and be apart of Germany’s bloodshed. He states it’ll be “a war against all nations,” which really riles up their fear and to continue the build up he implies that it’s a “challenge to all of mankind.” The inundation of fear conveys to the audience that they can not trust Germany or any of their alliances, it is a war between the enemies and their alliances. He persists to convince with emotion by arguing submission is the only choice they can not make, and they’re incapable of abandoning their moral virtues. With these thoughts in mind, Wilson provokes with the help of the United States military to suffice the disobedience of Germany’s actions and settle the fear within his