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Summary Of Infamy Speech

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“Infamy Speech”: Uniting a Nation
On December 8, 1941, 32nd US president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, delivered what is considered to be of the most impactful speeches of all time to Congress. In his speech, Roosevelt declared that December 7, 1941 would be “a date which will live in infamy”, due to the deliberate Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor to hinder the Pacific Fleet’s defense against Japanese forces, that caused America to enter into WWII. Roosevelt relies immensely on the usage of Pathos, Ethos, Logos, and Kairos throughout his famous “Infamy Speech” to help persuade U.S. congressmen to declare war on Japan, and help convince and unite America to support its Allies in the war effort in defeating the Axis Powers (“Pearl Harbor, History.com”). Through the heavy use of these rhetorical devices, President Roosevelt successfully conveys why America should join in his efforts to go to war. President Roosevelt helps appeal to the audience’s emotions through the use of pathos to unite them in the war effort. Throughout the speech Roosevelt states the events of the prior night in chronological order to inform the American people of the tragedy at hand. He goes on to explain the severity of the attack and how it left many American lives affected. The speech states, “The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost.” By stating the obvious loss of lives at

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