Franklin D. Roosevelt And John F. Kennedy
Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) had accomplished many great things while they were in office. During each of their presidential terms, both men strived to lead our country towards the ultimate goal of freedom. To obtain this difficult ambition, the two created compelling speeches that would move an entire country further into the direction of liberty. FDR’s “Four Freedoms Speech”, and JFK’s “Inaugural Address”, are prime examples of doing just that. The two speeches compare and contrast in multiple ways, including the historical context behind the speech, the message of freedom in the speech, and the purpose of delivering the speech.
World War II officially began on the first of September in the year 1939 and when FDR
delivered his “Four Freedoms Speech,” the war was still active and ongoing. Neutrality laws were adopted in the first World War because many people argued that American involvement in the conflict was a mistake. This act prevented the U.S. from selling armaments to countries that were in combat and limited the travel of belligerent vessels. These laws were still in effect during the second World War and was addressed in Roosevelt’s speech. FDR talked about freedom quite a bit in this particular speech. He believed that everyone should have the right to four basic freedoms; the freedom of speech, the freedom of worship, the freedom from want, and the freedom from fear. Throughout stating these rights in paragraphs 59-62, Roosevelt uses repetition of the phrase “everywhere/anywhere in the world.” This shows that FDR believes in taking action of helping his fellow human beings in obtaining these freedoms, and that everyone in the world should have this same opportunity. Roosevelt also mentions that “Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere.” This quote from paragraph 66 of the speech reveals that FDR thinks that freedom is a “right” and not a privilege. There are many purposes that Roosevelt had for delivering this speech. His major purpose of broadcasting this lecture, is to address the problem of the spreading of dictatorship in the war, and the American involvement. In paragraph 38, FDR says to the democracies that “We Americans are vitally concerned in your defense of freedom. We are putting forth our energies, or resources, and our organizing powers to regain and maintain a free world. We shall send you, in ever-increasing numbers, ships, planes, tanks, guns. This is our purpose and our pledge.” This excerpt from his speech illustrates emotion through Roosevelt's use of powerful words and charged language which causes a feeling of inspiration towards his audience. This is just what Roosevelt wanted to do. He wanted to motivate Americans to get involved in the war and to help the other countries in need from tyranny and dictatorship.
The historical context of the two speeches delivered by FDR and JFK are very similar, and compare greatly to each other.
World War II officially began on the first of September in the year 1939 and when FDR
delivered his “Four Freedoms Speech,” the war was still active and ongoing. Neutrality laws were adopted in the first World War because many people argued that American involvement in the conflict was a mistake. This act prevented the U.S. from selling armaments to countries that were in combat and limited the travel of belligerent vessels. These laws were still in effect during the second World War and was addressed in Roosevelt’s speech. FDR talked about freedom quite a bit in this particular speech. He believed that everyone should have the right to four basic freedoms; the freedom of speech, the freedom of worship, the freedom from want, and the freedom from fear. Throughout stating these rights in paragraphs 59-62, Roosevelt uses repetition of the phrase “everywhere/anywhere in the world.” This shows that FDR believes in taking action of helping his fellow human beings in obtaining these freedoms, and that everyone in the world should have this same opportunity. Roosevelt also mentions that “Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere.” This quote from paragraph 66 of the speech reveals that FDR thinks that freedom is a “right” and not a privilege. There are many purposes that Roosevelt had for delivering this speech. His major purpose of broadcasting this lecture, is to address the problem of the spreading of dictatorship in the war, and the American involvement. In paragraph 38, FDR says to the democracies that “We Americans are vitally concerned in your defense of freedom. We are putting forth our energies, or resources, and our organizing powers to regain and maintain a free world. We shall send you, in ever-increasing numbers, ships, planes, tanks, guns. This is our purpose and our pledge.” This excerpt from his speech illustrates emotion through Roosevelt's use of powerful words and charged language which causes a feeling of inspiration towards his audience. This is just what Roosevelt wanted to do. He wanted to motivate Americans to get involved in the war and to help the other countries in need from tyranny and dictatorship.
The historical context of the two speeches delivered by FDR and JFK are very similar, and compare greatly to each other.