On the morning of December eleventh, the government of Germany, pursuing its course of world conquest, declared war against the
United States. The long known and long expected has thus taken place. The forces endeavoring to enslave the entire world are now moving toward this hemisphere.
Never before has there been a greater challenge to life, liberty, and civilization.
Delay invites greater danger. Rapid and united effort by all of the peoples of the world who are determined to remain free will ensure a world victory of the forces of justice and of righteousness over the forces of savagery and barbarism.
Italy also has declared war against the United States.
I therefore request the Congress to recognize a state of war between the United States and Germany, and between the United States and Italy.
What is the main idea of Roosevelt’s speech?
A.
He believes Germany poses a threat to Italy’s life, liberty, and civilization.
B.
He believes Italy is the greatest threat to the United States.
C.
He believes the United States should delay in entering the war.
D.
He believes Germany is trying to take over the United States and the world
The correct answer is <u><em>D) He believes Germany is trying to take over the United States and the world</em></u>
Explanation:
While Roosevelt has mentioned Italy in his speech, it was mostly direct at Germany and it's Nazi leaders. the Americans had seen from afar how Germany had quickly militarized and conquered smaller countries around it.
Germany was a threat to the European order and Roosevelt believed that if left unchecked, Germany could expand into a European power that can challenge the United States, and its allies and interests.
In this regard, Italy was also an enemy as it as a German ally.
A declaration of War with Germany and Italy would then allow the country to mobilize forces against them.
