What Are The Four Civil Liberties

Civil Liberties Essay

Within a democratic society citizens obtain a specific set of civil, social, and economic rights which others are not entitled to in others countries. World War II was a significant event in history when the United States went to war for its freedoms. During WWII, American’s feared for their safety and for the continuation of these civil liberties due to Hitler’s fascist minded Nazi regime. In Four Freedoms by Franklin Roosevelt, the importance of why we fight for our U.S. freedoms is discussed. Roosevelt refers to the four freedoms as: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. He also relates these liberties to the idea of democracy and why we must help our allies in the
Roosevelt writes that if the communists successfully take over the East, it will be inevitable that dictators will take over the West as well. This is because he reveals that there are twice as many resources and people in the East compared to the West. Franklin Roosevelt exclaims that we should defend democracy; we cannot let communist dictators overrun our democracy. He announces that we should support any nation looking for democracy, and asks Congress to provide these nations with supplies, guns, and munitions. Franklin Roosevelt states that we will never surrender. Then there is a transition into what our “freedoms” are as US citizens. Roosevelt recites that our political, economic, and civil rights are simple. As citizens of the United States, we are entitled to “equality of opportunity for youth and for others, jobs for those who can work, security for those who need it, the end of special privileges for the few, and the preservations of civil liberties for all.” These civil liberties he speaks of are outlined in the U.S. Bill of Rights. The U.S. Bill of Rights includes all rights given to us under amendments 1-10 of the US Constitution. Some examples of these rights are the right to a fair and speedy trial, right to due process of law, and protection from unreasonable search and seizure. Finally Roosevelt communicates our “four freedoms” we need and to continue a democratic way of life in this country. These four freedoms are “freedom of speech” as in freedom to express one’s self. Second, “freedom of religion” as in the idea that any citizen can worship any god he or she chooses. Third, “freedom from want” as in people should enjoy a healthy lifestyle during a time of peace and prosperity. Finally, “freedom from fear” as in no one should fear aggression from any neighboring country and there should reduction of the world’s weaponry.