Rhetorical Analysis Of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Fireside Chats

He took instantaneous actions to address the country’s economic afflictions by publicizing a four day “bank holiday” during which all the banks would be closed so that congress could pass reform legislation and reopen those banks determined to be sound. He also began broadcasting to the public over the radio in a series of talks, which were referred to as the “fireside chats.” These chats went a long way towards reestablishing the confidence of public. He is also known for injecting an unfailing optimism into the politics of America, such as leading the Democrats into the 20th

President Franklin Roosevelt’s “First Fireside Chat” is a reassuring piece that inspired the nation in a time of need using his voice that projected his personal warmth and charm into the nation’s living rooms to explain the banking crisis. He slowly and comprehensibly informed the American people on what has been done and to explain the complex banking system while using rhetorical appeals of ethos, logos, and pathos to effectively restore American faith in the United States government and banking system.

Throughout his inaugural address, FDR kept a powerful and commanding tone of voice toward the American people. It wasn't a bad powerful tone though, like the tones of Hitler and Stalin, it was surprisingly calm and gentle. He uses

Roosevelt also uses this main topic for the mood of his entire speech; detailing the hopelessness that these families feel during this crucial time. Another great rhetoric device that Roosevelt utilizes in his speech is that of religion. In the closing statement of his inaugural speech, Roosevelt asks that, “In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.”  His reference to God was added in an attempt to bring together the American people even in the greatest despair by using the topic most relatable for people, especially at this time. Roosevelt also declares that, “These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.” Not only has he successfully engineered his speech in a way that puts audience members in the same state of mind, but he also goes on to enlighten these very same people to further instill hope and pride. Not only is this an effective rhetoric in his speech,

Franklin Roosevelt became one of the most successful presidents in U.S. history due to the three character traits of optimism, perseverance, and leadership. Roosevelt's optimistic attitude gave Americans hope to keep fighting through the Great Depression and World War Two, were most Americans were ready to give up. Jean Smith presents this idea when he quotes Roosevelt in his Presidential Biography FDR writing, “This great Nation will endure as it has endured will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that only thing to fear is fear itself… The effect of the speech was electrifying, the praise all but unanimous. No one doubted that a new era had begun” (Smith 302-303). Franklin Roosevelt lit the fire back

The American public was desperate for a change and Roosevelt was the solution that they were hoping for. Due to the invention of the radio, Roosevelt provided something to Americans that no previous president or political leader before him could. He would have his fireside chats, which were public addresses, be broadcasted on the radio where millions of Americans across the country could hear. Because of this, many Americans had the feeling that they knew the president on a personal level even though in reality they didn’t. Because of the radio and Roosevelt’s fireside chats, Americans felt comfortable writing to the president about their lives and struggles more so than any time before. The letters that the people suffering from the Great Depression wrote to the president and first lady were very real and personal. They told of the hardships they were going through and most asked for some sort of help or aid. The book, Down & Out in the Great Depression, is a collection of letters that are written to the government from citizens suffering from the effects of the Great Depression. For example, In letter 85, anonymous writes, “They have cut us down to 17-1/2 cent and hrs and I cant make any thing at that rate. They pay us every 2 weeks and then some time we don't have enough food to last.” Businesses were forced to lower their wages because they could no longer afford to pay workers at the previous rates they were receiving. Even though it is unfeasible for the president to read thousands of American letters personally, the American public still felt like their thoughts and opinions were still being heard. The overall message of the letters, however, was heard and addressed by Roosevelt. Americans were out of work and in poverty. They knew they couldn't help themselves so many Americans wrote to the president because they felt

The 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, is one of the most remembered and honored presidents in history. He accomplished more in twelve years in office than most presidents did put together. Nevertheless, most of these outstanding actions were a result of events that were not caused by him, but was handled by him in a very effective and efficient way. In conclusion, he totally reshaped the idea of being an American President for all future leaders, and formed outstanding relationships with the public through his fireside chats. These chats consisted of a series of thirty evening radio addresses that took place between 1933 and 1944. Roosevelt had a passion for government and greatly increased the responsibilities

Much of Roosevelt's success was a result of his cheerful personality. Beginning with his inaugural address- in which he assured the American people that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself"- he projected an infectious optimism that helped alleviate the growing despair.

readers to be also engaged. His tone played a role to plant a sense of alert regarding

ased on the text of the speech, what is the main purpose of President Roosevelt' speech?

In 1933 history was changed for the better. Nineteen thirty three was an era where people were left devastated by the lost of many essentials that people today would take for granted. Eighty four years ago in Washington D.C the 32nd president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, gave his first inauguration speech before later serving four additional years to his country. Many of people were awaiting to hear his words spoken loud and clear stating that change was imminent with the assistance of hard work and dedication. The president’s aspiration was clearly presented as he was there to help improve their situation with plans to make things better. The purpose of president Hoover’s speech was to appeal to many through the use of pathos and ethos accompanied by his use of well known rhetoric devices such as amplification.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was a man who besides his intelligence, charm and strong confidence, he was able to sustain the nation through the most overbearing crisis know as the Great Depression as well as World War II. While managing to stay optimistic, Franklin Roosevelt helped people regain faith in themselves. Despite all the chaos going on at the time, “he was met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory (pg. 90).” He was praised for pushing the government to help those who were underprivileged. This was a new beginning in time for Americans known as the New Deal. He told the country to live by; “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself (pg 90).” Franklin Roosevelt made a very

Roosevelt's pledge to his constituents as well as his political prowess and strong-willed demeanor placed hopes in the hearts of Americans. On the eve of his inauguration night alone, "Roosevelt told the nation that `the only thing we have to fear is fear itself and promised effective leadership in the crisis (Rosen)." Furthermore, throughout his four terms in office, FDR sensing that the American people needed guidance as well as comfort continued to aggressively lead the United States out of the Depression and later on persisted with his unique style of leadership as he was forced to take his constituents to war. During his time as president, Roosevelt's America was in a crisis and like most other nations throughout the world, in the same predicament; it thirsted for an exceptionally good leader with a superior moral compass and determination that was willing to take charge and point the way to a brighter future.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt began broadcasting his speeches over the radio in 1933. These speeches gave hope to Americans that were suffering during The Great Depression. Americans found comfort in the speeches that Franklin gave and it was eventually given the nickname, Fireside Chats.(History chats). The radio was also used to push political campaigns. “In the 1928 presidential election campaign, networks sold more than $1 million in advertising time to the Democratic and Republican Parties(American).” The radio influenced American households in many ways, at times, not in a positive manner. In the Radio show Amos ‘n’ Andy, it portrayed African Americans with racial stereotypes(khan). This racial discrimination showed how the radio’s influence wasn’t always a good

As the number of radios grew in the U.S., more people relied on this media for obtaining information and entertainment. During the Great Depression, when disappointment in the economy reached its peak, FDR resorted to speeches on the radio. These became known as “Fireside Chats” (Boorstin 624) during which FDR talked about the banking system and other economic concerns. In these chats, he could describe his actions and his reasoning so that everyone would understand what the government was doing (The Great Depression). The New Deal was a program designed to reverse the effects of the Depression. Some of the successful programs that it encompassed were ones such as the following: