Summary:

Events of the previous days:

Due to the failing attempts to win battles against the Japanese in the Philippines, MacArthur and his troops are ordered to leave immediately so that they do not fall to Japanese forces.

Roosevelt's Response:

FDR begins by making a reference to Washington's Birthday, and reminding the American people of that great general's fight to protect personal liberty. He then gives a geography lesson of sorts asking the American people to go to their maps, so that they can understand the geopolitical importance of the areas in conflict. Roosevelt continues by honoring, and publicly applauding the efforts of MacArthur's troops in the Philippines, despite his private worries and commands. He also expresses concern for the circulation of exaggerated and incorrect statistics concerning the attack on Pearl Harbor; thus, he states for the record more accurate numbers for the casualties and the losses to the fleet. He enumerates three purposes for every American to live by, which include a dedication to cheerfully accept the material hardships of war. He closes with a quote by Tom Paine which includes the statement "Tyranny, like hell is not easily conquered, yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the sacrifice, the more glorious the triumph."

Analysis:

Didactic element:

"Look at your map. Look at the vast area of China...look at the vast area of Russia..." There is a very unique didactical element, where it appears Roosevelt is taking the American people to school in the matters of politics and international relations. He even spends time identifying crucial geopolitical locations, and valuable production areas of raw materials.

History

This address has a particular emphasis on historical elements. It begins with a reminder of Washington's Birthday, as well as the cause for which he fought, and comes full circle to conclude with images of 1776. FDR reads the words of Tom Paine that Washington himself ordered to be read to the regiments of the Continental army and concludes, "So spoke Americans in the year 1776. So speak Americans today!"