Analysis of Franklin D Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address
The first inaugural address of Franklin D. Roosevelt was one that strove to lift the American people off their feet as the country entered some of it's worst years during the Great Depression. One of Roosevelt's strong advantages during his address was his ability to relate to the very real concerns of the everyday American citizens. With pressures of the failing economy facing the President-elect, he delivered this speech, addressing the nation about his plans for a New Deal. Roosevelt made his first point in his address by stating, “...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” This statement later became one of the most famous Presidential lines in all of history. The purpose of this statement was to remind the nation that for this country to witness victory, support and understanding from the people needs to be present. He is explaining that this “unjustified terror” needs to be contained so that the nation can be focused on repairing and advancing upon these needed efforts and failed economic state.
The next point Roosevelt goes on to explain is that most of the common difficulties facing the country at the moment, only concern material things. One of the increasingly dangerous problems that Roosevelt emphasizes is the amount of unemployed citizens facing the stressful and relentless pressure of not knowing whether their families will survive through the next week. The final point that Roosevelt makes is that even in this time of great despair, there is still much to be thankful for and that the future remains bright for all Americans. He states that, “Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” With this quote, he portrays his deeper message of his speech: As long as the hope inside the hearts of the American people sustains, there is still a chance for the country to see success once again.
What makes Roosevelt’s address strong is not only the message he provides for the
The next point Roosevelt goes on to explain is that most of the common difficulties facing the country at the moment, only concern material things. One of the increasingly dangerous problems that Roosevelt emphasizes is the amount of unemployed citizens facing the stressful and relentless pressure of not knowing whether their families will survive through the next week. The final point that Roosevelt makes is that even in this time of great despair, there is still much to be thankful for and that the future remains bright for all Americans. He states that, “Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” With this quote, he portrays his deeper message of his speech: As long as the hope inside the hearts of the American people sustains, there is still a chance for the country to see success once again.
What makes Roosevelt’s address strong is not only the message he provides for the