For FDR, the notion of loyalty is closely tied to patriotism on the home front and responsibility on the international scene. He spends a fair amount of time promoting the benefits of brotherhood and unity among American citizens, and he considers loyalty important for the continuation of America's society, industry, economy, and overall ability to have a good time.
And at this point, the early 1940s, everyone could use a good time.
Take a look at Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms" series of paintings. You'll notice the prominence of community and the sense of moral support depicted in each image. These painting are illustrations not just of the Four Freedoms but of patriotic loyalty as well. (They're also just so, so completely kitchy.)
FDR also sees loyalty as extending beyond the borders of the United States. His argument is that as a world power America has a responsibility to assist other democratic nations that are struggling against tyranny. It's a loyalty to like-minded nations of the world who are also fighting for the greater good of human dignity.
Questions About Loyalty
- How might the concept of loyalty in a democratic nation be different from loyalty in a fascist nation? Can loyalty, as FDR perceives it, exist under fascism?
- What are some examples of how FDR discusses loyalty and patriotism as one and the same? What might be some of the effects of FDR's warning that spies had already arrived in the Americas? Think of both positive and negative examples.
- Think about FDR's notion of international loyalty. Is it truly loyalty if there is a self-serving aspect to it as well? If so, cite examples from the text.
Chew on This
FDR's notion of international loyalty is just the United States asserting its own control over other nations in their times of need.
Loyalty, as FDR defines it, can only exist in a context of democratic freedom. Because within a democracy, people choose to be loyal, which makes it all the more powerful.