Write an essay comparing the purpose, tone and message of the three speeches by FDR.
It seems to be unfortunately true that the epidemic of world lawlessness is spreading.
And mark this well: When an epidemic of physical disease starts to spread, the community
approves and joins in a quarantine of the patients in order to protect the health of the community
against the spread of the disease.
It is my determination to pursue a policy of peace and to adopt every practicable measure to
avoid involvement in war. It ought to be inconceivable that in this modern era, and in the face of
experience, any nation could be so foolish and ruthless as to run the risk of plunging the whole
world into war by invading and violating, in contravention of solemn treaties, the territory of
other nations that have done them no real harm and are too weak to protect themselves
adequately. Yet the peace of the world and the welfare and security of every nation are today
being threatened by that very thing.
War is a contagion, whether it be declared or undeclared. It can engulf states and peoples remote
from the original scene of hostilities. We are determined to keep out of war, yet we cannot insure
ourselves against the disastrous effects of war and the dangers of involvement. We are adopting
such measures as will minimize our risk of involvement, but we cannot have complete protection
in a world of disorder in which confidence and security have broken down.
If civilization is to survive, the principles of the Prince of Peace must be restored. Shattered trust
between nations must be revived.
Most important of all, the will for peace on the part of peace-loving nations must express itself to
the end that nations that may be tempted to violate their agreements and the rights of others will
desist from such a course. There must be positive endeavors to preserve peace.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Quarantine" Speech
October 5, 1937
Roosevelt's Four Freedoms Speech
In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four
essential human freedoms.
The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world.
The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the
world.
The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms, means economic
understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -everywhere in the world.
The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide
reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in
a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-- anywhere in the
world. January 6, 1941
President F.D. Roosevelt’s Declaration of War speech, Dec. 8, 1941
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and
deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its
government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the
Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a
recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic
negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned
many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to
deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
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. In addition, American ships have been reported
torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and
today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand
the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that
always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
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.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend
ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable
triumph. So help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th,
1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt - December 8, 1941b