Summary:

Events that occurred in the previous days:

September 4th: American destroyer Greer was fired on by a German submarine while off the coast of Greenland. There had been other attacks by submarines in the weeks and months prior to the attack on the Greer; one was on a merchant ship, the Robin Moor, which was sunk in the South Atlantic. German aircraft sank another merchant ship, the Steel Seafarer. There was particular severity in the attack on the Greer as it was clearly identified as an American warship.

Roosevelt's Response:

Roosevelt begins in a manner much like a news broadcast, informing the American people of the incident involving the Greer, as well as other similar incidents that would indicate Germany's attempt to dominate and tyrannize the seas. He stresses the gravity of such events, and the ruthlessness of this kind of German terrorism. He reinforces the concept that it is the American duty, and his especial duty as President to protect our independence, by protection of the seas. He concludes with the familiar invocation of Divine aid and guidance.

Analysis:

Identification of the Enemy:

Like the chat on may 27th of 1941, there is an obvious identification of the enemy: Nazi Germany, and Hitler. Roosevelt names Hitler as the villain declaring, "His intrigues, his plots, his machinations, his sabotage in this New world...," this could be a description of Satan himself. In such times of crisis it is important to be reinforcing the enemies and allies so that the people feel confidant about ant American involvement

Didactic Element:

It is as if he is trying to make our defense system very understandable and logical. Roosevelt explains that protection of the British navy is essential for the extended survival of the American Navy he says, "And that, my friends is simple arithmetic."

Self -identification:

"My Obligation as President is historic; it is clear. Yes it is inescapable." This is an interesting example of Roosevelt's self identification, by using this language FDR is legitimizing, and bestowing authority upon his role and office.

 

 

May 26, 1940 | May 27, 1941 | Dec 9, 1941 | Feb 23, 1942

Last updated December 16, 2001