Rhetorical Analysis- Speech

Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation
Franklin Delano Roosevelt

~WATCO: What are the consequences of Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on the declaration of war?

~Enthymeme:(Claim): The Japanese attack forced the United States of America to declare war.
Assumption (Reason): Because the attack has shattered the bonds of trust, as well as the safety and security of the people of this nation.

~Audience: The audience is the Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

~Goal: The goal of the speech is to convince and motivate the House of Representatives to wage war and to stand behind the President in this decision.

~How & Why: President Roosevelt really exercised emotion in the persuasive process. It's also very relevant since just previous to this event, the Japanese had implied that they look forward to maintaining peace in the pacific. Then suddenly, after the attack, there was no point in keeping diplomatic negotiations. Roosevelt assured the audience that to come all the way to Hawaii was a deliberate and planned attack. It was sufficient in stating how America was deceived. Lives were lost, ships were destroyed, and security has been damaged.

~Effective: The speech was extremely effective. It displays determination. As he asks the audience to "Remember the character the of the onslaught against us." Also, he rallies up the American people of the nation as Roosevelt speaks of his faith in them. "...Americans with their righteous might will win through to absolute victory."

After December 7th, 1941 America entered the war.
Twas truly "A Date which will Live in Infamy."


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To hear and/or read this speech visit the American Rhetoric site.