Question

Why did Roosevelt use words that suggested an unbending point of view in the four freedoms speech? What do these word choices suggest about the quality of leadership Roosevelt is trying to convey?

Answer 1

Words are used to convince, persuade, or empower. During World War II, Roosevelt came up with the idea of the four freedoms to include in his 1941 State of the Union address or better known as the ‘Four Freedoms Speech’. He proposed the fundamental freedom principles that people all over the world must enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Through this, he gained majority of the people’s support in America’s involvement in the world war. His choice of words and ability to stir up the American spirit to fight for freedom shows that he is a leader of democracy.