Danielle Woodall

Crandall

AP Lang

8/3/2019

Analysis Essay

Franklin D Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States, delivered the speech “Pearl

Harbor Address to the Nation” on December 8th, 1941 in Washington D.C. The United States of

America was attacked by the Air and Naval forces of Japan. During his speech to the Vice

President, Members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and also being broadcasted to the

United States citizens, he used ethos, logos, and pathos to help communicate what was

happening and how they were going to resolve the issues with the bombings of Pearl Harbor.

Franklin D Roosevelt used ethos throughout his speech to earn credibility and trust with

his audience. For instance, “As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy (Roosevelt 31). By

including this line in his speech he has established a high ranking and shows he has power. It

shows we can trust him is qualified to speak on the subject. Not to mention he was president at

the time.

Throughout the entire speech, he uses logos. They helped explain what happened, why it

was happening and how it is going to be stopped. He explained that they were at peace and

unaware of Japans plans. The Japanese deliberately planned these attacks. They attacked Pearl

Harbor but also 6 other locations between the night and the morning. Roosevelt is taking all

precautions and protecting the United States. He used logos to declare war on Japan, “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” (Roosevelt 43-45). He used logos a majority of his speech to inform the audience of

what happened and the actions he is taking to prevent them from repeating.

Finally, he used pathos. He used it to help inspire the audience after this horrific attack.

Many American lives were lost, severe damage was made to the American Naval and military

forces, and American ships were torpedoed. It was a very emotional experience for the US.

Roosevelt was able to help inspire and motivate them, “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” (Roosevelt 34-35). He was able to connect with the emotions of his

audience and motivate them to war.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the serving president of the United States when the bombings

of Pearl Harbor occurred. He gave the speech to inform the public of what happened and the

actions he’s going to take. He used ethos, logos, and pathos to help strengthen his speech. The

rhetorical strategies helped gave him credibility and qualified him to speak about this event,

explain the situation, and motivate the emotionally concerned citizens.

 Bibliographic Citation

Eidenmuller, Michael E. “Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation.” American Rhetoric: Franklin

Delano Roosevelt - Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation (12-08-41),

www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrpearlharbor.htm.