Question

“day of infamy” speech
president franklin d. roosevelt • 1941
on december 7, 1941 the japanese bombed pearl harbor, a united states naval base in hawaii. this attack drew america into world war ii. franklin d. roosevelt or “fdr” delivered this speech to a joint session of congress on december 8, 1941, a day after the attack.
as you read, take notes on how fdr describes the actions of the empire of japan.
mr. vice president, mr. speaker, members of
the senate, and of 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
fdr delivers speech by united states
government is in the public domain.

1. part a: what is roosevelt’s overall purpose in his speech?

a. to inform japan that the u.s. will take any means
necessary to enact revenge
b. to notify the american people of the losses suffered
in the japanese attacks
c. to warn of impending danger in the form of more
attacks from japan and its allies
d. to reassure the american people that actions are
being taken to protect the country

Explanation:

To determine Roosevelt's purpose, analyze each option:

• Option A: The speech isn't about revenge but addressing the attack and national response, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: While losses are mentioned, the main purpose isn't just notifying losses but outlining actions, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: The speech focuses on the immediate attack, not warning of future attacks, so C is incorrect.
• Option D: After the Pearl Harbor attack, Roosevelt aims to reassure Americans that the country will act to protect itself (e.g., declaring war, mobilizing), so D matches the speech's purpose.

Answer:

D. to reassure the American people that actions are being taken to protect the country