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Harry S. Truman Rhetorical Analysis

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Harry S. Truman, the current President of 1945, effectively used rhetorical strategies on his announcement of the bombing of Hiroshima, which helped put World War II to an end when Japan conceded. After contemplating the decision to drop the bomb or invade, not taken lightly, Truman decided to drop the bomb. The atomic bomb was the culmination of the war, and ultimately changed the world since its use. Therefore, the announcement, directed towards the American people, of its use would have to be concocted in such a way that would prompt patriotism, and not make the United States look so vile. Truman pulled this speech off remarkably, despite not being widely recognized for his speeches,
In spite of ethos, logos was another leading factor …show more content…

During the speech Truman uses the word “we” multiple times, insinuating that he is alike other ordinary Americans. By creating a connection with the people, Truman gets the credibility of the people when relating to them. The Secretary of War was also mentioned in this announcement, which furthers Truman’s integrity and reputation by substantiating that he knows high ranking, and significant figures involved with the United States Government. Truman also stated that he “shall recommend that the Congress of the United States consider promptly the establishment of an appropriate commission to control the production and use of atomic power within the United States. I shall give further consideration and make further recommendations to the Congress as to how atomic power can become a powerful and forceful influence towards the maintenance of world peace.” This establishes Truman as an influential figure over Congress, and that he is trying to organize a commission to control the unfamiliar atomic bomb in order to protect the United States. Perhaps the most important tactic Truman used was scare and intimidation tactics, also ethos. Truman used words people are unaccustomed to, and went in depth with the atomic bomb. Therefore by using words people are unfamiliar with, Truman intimidates them which draws them into trusting him. Truman said, with a serious tone, that “...we knew that the Germans were working feverishly to find a way to add atomic energy to the other engines of war with which they hoped to enslave the world” and WE were “... grateful that they did not get the atomic bomb at all.” He also remotely points the blame at Germany, and attempts to frighten the American people with Germany and Hitler’s endeavor to tyrannize the world. By mentioning Hitler and inferring Stalin or other vile tyrants who covet the bomb,

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