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Eduardo Gallegos

Ms. Zermeno

1301

November 01, 2018

Pearl FDR

On December 7th, the U.S Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese naval and air

forces. The attack caused a lot of debate on whether we should declare war on Japan. In

response, FDR responded by writing a speech about how he felt and how the U.S should react.

His speech was effective because soon after his speech we went into war with japan.

FDR starts out his speech by saying “Yesterday, December 7, 1941–a date which will

live in infamy–the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and

air forces of the Empire of Japan.” (Roosevelt 1941). He continues to say that the distance

between Japan and Hawaii made it obvious the attack was “…deliberately planned many days or

even weeks ago.” (Roosevelt 1941). He said that the Japanese government had deceived them

with “…false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.” (Roosevelt 1941). He

also mentioned other attacks the Japanese carried out. FDR stated that as the commander in chief

he directed that “…all measures be taken in for our defense.” (Roosevelt 1941). FDR proceeds

to end his speech by saying “Hostilities exist… our territory, and our interests are in grave

danger… …so god help us …on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between the

United States and the Japanese empire…” (Roosevelt 1941).

FDR used pathos to appeal to his listeners emotions. He used the word “deliberately” to

emphasize the coldhearted Pearl Harbor attack. FDR also used pathos to arouse his audience

with feelings of confidence and strength. FDR told his audience that they would “win through
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absolute victory” (Roosevelt 1941). He also used statement such as “…confidence in our armed

forces… and …unbounding determination of our people…” this led to “inevitable triumph”

(Roosevelt 1941). He did not doubt that his troops and people would move forward and prosper.

FDR also said, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the

American people in the righteous might will win” (Roosevelt 1941) with this he showed his

audience that he was ready to fight for as long as we needed to be victorious. FDR aimed to

make the Japanese look like monsters that deceived them with this statement “…the Japanese

government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and

expressions of hope for continued peace.” (Roosevelt 1941). With this he tried to inflict a sense

of revenge onto his audience.

FDR also used logos in his speech. FDR went into detail and said, “our people, our

territory, and our interests are in grave danger…” and that they “…will not only defend

themselves but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger

us” (Roosevelt 1941). By saying this he is acknowledging the enemy and he said that the most

logical course of action was to eliminate that enemy or at least fight back.

FDR skillfully used rhetorical techniques to bring down the fear levels and highly put up

the levels of confidence as the United States enter world war II. Pearl Harbor will remain as one

of the vilest acts that happened against us, but it was also a crucial turning point for us

Americans. FDR showed his mastery of rhetorical techniques in his speech and that made it

extremely effective.
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