“The Date of Infamy” is the designation for the date on which the Japanese Empire’s air force attacked Pearl Harbor, the leading U.S. naval base. On December 8, 1941, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave the speech that established the U.S. entry into World War II (War Archives, 2011). The speech was intended to address all the American people who would have to fight in the war. Roosevelt’s main idea was to convey American patriotism, not opposition to any ideals of other countries.
Roosevelt’s idea is confirmed by how the speech is delivered and the linguistic constructions used. For example, in the beginning, Roosevelt focused on who the U.S. was at this moment and used a passive tone to indicate the country’s status as a violated innocence (War Archives, 2011). It means that the U.S. is an innocent victim who survived the attack and conspiracy of the government of the Japanese Empire. Roosevelt evokes patriotism by making listeners feel a sense of ownership of what happened and the need to respond.
Another affirmation of the call to patriotism is the recurring American tactic tied to justice. Roosevelt addressed the fact that the event experienced was a disgrace because society did not rally around the threat and did not anticipate a war attack in time (War Archives, 2011). Furthermore, he also pointed out that losses and setbacks are not an argument for surrender. Instead, he appealed to the country’s intuitive sense of patriotism, trusting in the need to use setbacks as a springboard to victory.
Finally, the overall tone of Roosevelt’s speech was resolute and courageous because dry facts were used, and there was no understatement of the damage. The president tried to be objective, emphasizing the importance of every U.S. citizen overcoming the dangers. He was addressing the American people, who had to defend the territories and interests of the country under threat of false ideals and unfulfilled atrocities (War Archives, 2011). Consequently, Franklin Roosevelt’s speech appealed more to American patriotism and community unity.
Reference
War Archives. (2011). President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares war on Japan (full speech) | War archives [Video]. YouTube. Web.