Who spoke: Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States.
Audience: The citizens of the United States.
Represents:
The President of the United States Roosevelt was representing himself and the United States civilians.
What is being said:
Franklin Roosevelt is addressing the Nation for the first time as the United States President in this speech. The strife that is being put on to the people from the depression is being acknowledged and plans for a brighter future are being promised. Such as; more jobs for Americans, better banking practices, better transportation and communication among business throughout the nation and international affairs. He is telling the people that the depression will be overcome.
How it is being said:
Roosevelt is speaking in a very assertive manner, yet the undertone of the whole speech is very compassionate. He is not sugar coating any of the issues he has to deal with as he steps into office. He is being honest and blunt, but not in a way that could be taken offensively. As he tells about the harsh reality he is giving comfort and hope, “Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”, this was said to not only point out that peoples efforts are needed to help stimulate the economy, but to liberate people from the idea that work is just a drag, it is said to inspire people to want to be a part of the solution.
What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the speech:
I do not believe that there any given facts in this speech, just very strong opinions.
And the opinions that are being given are reasonable and understandable, he is saying the issues and how he feels is best to deal with them.
The historical significant of this document:
This is the first speech Roosevelt gives as the president. It is also a breaking point for a look into the future of Roosevelt’s “First 100 Days”.
How this speech fits into the historical context we are reading in the textbook: This fits perfectly into what we are currently reading in our textbook. The making of the politician and the election of 1932 ect. are all about Franklin D. Roosevelt.
As you mentioned, I too thought FDR's speach was ment to be inspirational and point out the positive side of things. I think your quote shows his ability to do so quite well. This is really what people needed to hear in such a dark time, and helped the citizens of the united states to not loose hope about their futures. Overall i think that this speach accomplished what it was ment to.
ReplyDeleteRoosevelt did make many inspirational speeches, this was one of them. He did focus on the economy to make everyoneelse happier. People needed jobs, and he did help them out. By focusing on the economy it makes the people happy, if the people of the United States are happy, then the nation is doing great. He was doing somthing right since he served more than one term in office, the people liked him and wanted to keep him around. Good job!
ReplyDeleteHe (Roosevelt) was thrown into a tight spot, one he needed to make more commerce for people to get more jobs and live better lives. Also he needed to make sure he wasn't over extending his reach into the nations pocket in doing so. His speech was one of Americas most heartfelt ever given and yes I to think that there really wasn't any given facts just great opinions given by a great man.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree on what you said in how it is being said section, that Roosevelt being honest and blunt. And that "He is not sugar coating any of the issues he has to deal with as he steps into office". But with that being said Roosevelt doesn't give any facts or proof about better lives for American's. What i like is that still, he is very confident, and positive about what he is saying. I think that those qualities help Americans to have hope and look forward into the future!
ReplyDeleteHello, I'm Geb!
ReplyDeleteI think these promises that were made about a brighter future were kept. Look at how the United States has developed since the 1930’s. I agree with you when you said Roosevelt is trying to make the depression go away by having more jobs available, better transportation and better banking. What you didn’t talk about was that Roosevelt believed the government should intervene to protect citizens from economic hardships. Good quote, “Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”This quote caught my eye because it’s not only interesting but it’s also true. The economy would have been better if it wasn’t so hard to find a job at the time.
In terms of the proof and/or justification which is being used to legitimize the speech, I believe that Roosevelt based the majority of his statements within his inaugural address on the decay of the American economy, and the critical need for improved ethical relations nationwide - on all levels of government.
ReplyDeleteHe also spoke of the importance of the United States being the "good neighbor" in the field of world policy, as well as, returning to the "American spirit of the pioneer," which in subtle ways can also be implied as his desire to become more assertive in Executive power.
What I admire the most about FDR was his honesty and non-sugar coating of all the major issues you mentioned. It amazed me to read this speech and see how he didn't hide the fact that America was in a deep depression and that he was coming to office in a time where economically and even social morale was extremely poor. This speech also would make Americans feel liberated from the past and to put effort into the future of the nation. FDR not only mentions that he wants to fix the issues at home, but he plans to go abroad and rekindle international affairs. All in all, his speech was inspirational to Americans during a time in America when the economy had crumbled.
ReplyDeleteI agree, in roosevelts spech he was more getting the point, but in a graceful manner, and to the point bettering the economy nad being for the people, and making a change in listening to the people and giving them what they wanted. Really great and touching giving the people hope, after what they been through
ReplyDeleteI think that one important thing to remember for what he was saying is that he, if his plan a didn't work, was willing to declare this a "war" on the depression in order to end it. This is a drastic measure and possibly a play for more power because of the extreme power given to the president in times of war.
ReplyDelete