Question 1
In "The Four Freedoms" speech, President Roosevelt describes the historical context in which the U.S.
finds itself one year before the attack on Pearl Harbor, but describing that context is not the point of his
speech. His point is to promote the "four freedoms" but he does not actually get to outlining the "four
freedoms" until the very end of the speech. Consider his speech in connection with the "Our Freedoms
and Rights" document and the information provided as historical background. Why does Roosevelt
believe it is necessary to articulate a new set of American freedoms?
When we have a written goal or statement personally or as a society it is proven that we are more
likely to achieve it. Roosevelt was trying to accomplish this and raise awareness of everything that was
happening in the world and use that to stir the powerful human emotions within each one of us. When
this was accomplished or in motion he could give them direction (i.e. the goals) for that flow of power.
Roosevelt explains that while America is powerful we are not invincible. I quote “... it is immature... and
untrue for anybody to brag that an unprepared America...can hold off the whole world.” While the US was
not yet involved in World War II Roosevelt understood that we needed to prepare beforehand and
especially for after the war. The first effort involves investing in other nations by offering our support and
material while not demanding repayment or monetary loans right then but materials later that the U.S. can
use. He explained that by employing this policy the nation would send a message to the world that we
are willing to help any nation in need despite threats and acts of war. He continues by explaining that the
well-being of the coming generations depends on how America acts now in world relations. We must be
willing to sacrifice what is asked for us in order to bring about equality for all and the end of class
distinctions. He specifically states more taxes but also includes the four freedoms. These are included at
the end to tie up all ends and give a common purpose and dream that will motivate people to act.
Roosevelt’s purpose was to change the intimidation factor attitude that prevails to a moral order that
would be in the hands of the people that live in their respective nations and be affected by such sacrifices
that these changes would entail.
Question 2
What audiences -- and by that I mean what social groups (for example: age group; educational group;
economic group; religious group; political group; ethnic/linguistic group; gender group) -- do you think the
Roosevelt is addressing in "The Four Freedoms"? Why do you think so? What evidence is there for your
assessment? How do you think Roosevelt wants these groups to respond? [Think carefully about this
question. There are often other audiences than the explicit one stated. To figure those out will require that
you bring to bear your understanding of the historical situation and of the political situation of Roosevelt's
time.]
I interpret that he was mainly addressing the young age group, most likely the college group as
they are starting their own families. He was striving to change how the new youth were being taught. As
I explained in the last question, the purpose of this article was not to change how life was in that moment
or even in the next few years (World War II) but to forever change the mindset of all America. This would
be impossible to do with the current population as traditions and attitudes that have existed since the
country was founded were completely ingrained into society. Change is not instantaneous. He knew that
with the world at war, people were worried about if they were going to have a future and what kind of
world that their kids would have to face. By knowing these fears and having the experience of leading the
nation through the biggest crisis since the Civil War, Roosevelt wrote this address to those starting
parents to give them hope for a better world. By personal experience I know how parents will do anything
and sacrifice so much more in order to “guarantee” a better world for their posterity. Roosevelt was doing
everything in his power to have that unstoppable force change the world. He could also be speaking to
all the leaders of the world as this address was meant as a message that America was aiming to change
the world and that they should strive to follow our example. He knew that while even one nation had bad
intentions that all the goals, rights and freedoms he was going for wouldn’t be possible. Roosevelt was
calling all in a position of power to do all they could to influence those whom they represent and make his
vision come true.
Question 3
In "The Great Society Speech" what do you think President Johnson's main point might be? What
question is he trying to answer and what is his answer to that question? Why does he think his answer is
a necessary one? Upon what are you basing this assessment? (In other words, what is it about the work
that leads you to this conclusion?) [Think about the title and how that conveys meaning.]
I find that he is asking himself and others one fundamental question; Why is all this injustice,
inhumane, lack of education, degrading living and social values happening? What can we do to change
the bleak future that is facing us? His answer starts in the very place that he is visiting. He is visiting a
university where the brightest minds of the future are being created. He then paints a very vivid picture of
a Great Society that brings together all the greatest human desires and wishes and makes them a reality
of everyday life. He brings together the three aspects of human life that are within our control as a nation
and even individually. The first aspect is the city. President Johnson makes the relation that a nation
reflects how its cities reflect their inhabitants. I quote “...our society will never be great until our cities are
great.” I wondered why would that that necessary. I came up with the answer that when people are living
well they are generally happier and work therefore harder and better to keep that lifestyle. This reflects in
the nation by bringing in revenue and goods that improve and sustain it. President Johnson then
continues on stating that after bettering our cities we must focus on our countryside. I really liked this part
as he shifts his focus from mainly being physical to spiritual. He cautions against letting man destroy his
surrounding as when this happens all aspects of his life are affected and “his spirit will wither and his
sustenance be wasted” rippling across the spectrum of a man and nations life force. The statistics that he
lists are frightening as they show how many young and gifted people are not able to use and improve
their skills from costs and outdated materials. This makes them drop out and then creates a lag affect for
the future as less and less is being contributed. I find that he believes that if he can address what he
views as an influencing factor in these statistics he can solve many of the nation’s problems in the future.
I base my conclusion on the two paragraphs located in the second column, third and fourth full
paragraphs. These state that the problem cannot be solved by the government or programs set forth by
it, but by the “men of the universities being men of their Nation and time”. He recognizes that he is in fact
a servant and representative of the people and not their ruler but their leader.