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Rallying A Nation
Neoclassical Rhetorical Criticism Paper
CATA 233: Advanced Public Speaking
Rallying_a_Nation.pdf
I wrote this analysis paper for my Advanced Public Speaking class in 2005. This paper analyzes President Franklin Roosevelt's famous address to Congress following the attack on Pearl Harbor (commonly known by the line "a date which will live in infamy"). Through the utilization of neoclassical rhetorical criticism, I present evidence that proves the means of persuasion exhibited in President Roosevelt's address influenced Congress to declare war on Japan and ultimately gave support and encouragement to the American people, resulting in their reciprocal support of the war effort.
I have presented this paper in this section of the portfolio to address how communication influences civic culture. Roosevelt's speech to Congress is extremely significant for a variety of reasons. Looking back, it marks the beginning of America's involvement in World War II, but it was important even in its own day. Roosevelt's speech influenced foreign policy, public opinion, and strongly held beliefs. I argue that this speech was particularly aimed at getting the American people to turn from their isolationism and embrace a war effort. Obviously this is a blatant influence of the civic culture of the time. My analysis is neatly organized around Aristotle's rhetorical principles (with some borrowing from my previous papers on the topic) and includes a strong thesis and support materials. The argument is both interesting and concise, and it exemplifies my ability to apply learned theory to actual communication situations.
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