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FDR Inaugural Address

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FDR Inaugural Address Speech Analysis Essay
In arguably one of the most powerful of American political addresses ever given, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt argues that, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself’, and that in order to restore America to its pre-depression state, the American people must believe that he can lead them through the Great Depression, so long as they appoint him the wartime executive powers required to handle the situation effectively. Roosevelt emphasizes the need for action through the use of biblical allusions and referring to himself as the prophet is this time of need, taking the role of Jesus, declaring, “The money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization. We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths.” ; he plays upon the social needs as well as builds up his credibility with the audience by stating his plan to combat the depression, “broad Executive power to wage a war against the emergency, as great as the power that would be given to me if we were in fact invaded by a foreign foe.” ; and cements his argument with his claims of value and policy, exposing the flaws of pre-depression American society, and eventually calling for the change he believes necessary to force America out of the depression, “we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit.”. Franklin Delano Roosevelt goes to such lengths to earn the support of his fellow Americans in order to unite the entire country in

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