Pearl Harbor Speech Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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December 7, 1941, was the day America would enter a time of war known as World War II. The United States had refused to take part in the world war that had already begun due to Adolf Hitler and his German forces. It was only a matter of time before the United States would be drug into this already bloody war. Japan had been in diplomatic negotiations with the United States revolving around continued peace talks regarding pacific area. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise naval and aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, located on Oahu island in Hawaii. President Franklin D Roosevelt delivered a national speech immediately, stating to Congress that we must go to war against the Empire of Japan, and seek revenge for what they had done. Roosevelt …show more content…
He effectively used pathos throughout the majority of his speech, for example, he expressed his feeling of betrayal towards the Empire of Japan, based on how their American Ambassador had been in prolonged talks revolving peace in the Pacific. He then proceeded to announce, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.” By using these choices of words, he was able to successfully rally all 81% of Americans listening on their radios (Wiki). Roosevelt then uses the logos appeal and explains that their own country is in grave danger if they do not act. He had to inform the country that hostiles do exist and even though the citizens may think their country is invincible, it is capable of being destroyed. Roosevelt maintains proper ethos throughout the duration of the speech by allowing his listeners to remember his reputation of showing emotion. When speaking in public Roosevelt consistently used pathos more than any other appeal, this is how the majority of his speeches are remembered. The excessive use of pathos allowed those listening to feel the same emotions as Roosevelt, and gain the patriotic spirit that lead America to win World War
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