Four Freedoms Speech Theme of Warfare

In America during the late 1930s and early 1940s, the topic of World War II was sort of like the big, looming elephant in the room. Everyone was thinking about it, but no one wanted to talk about it—at least not as a possibility for the United States.

Even after two decades of cultural and political isolationism, Americans were still cagey about getting involved in international conflicts. However, it was hard to ignore the fact that Europe was getting pummeled right, left, and center by the Germans, and China was contending (unsuccessfully) with the Japanese. War touched all parts of the world, even those parts that wanted nothing to do with it...like the United States.

In "Four Freedoms," FDR argues that warfare is unavoidable and everywhere. He predicts military conflict is likely. He even uses examples from history to buttress his arguments. This explains why warfare itself is the most prominent theme throughout the "Four Freedoms" speech. FDR is, in effect, calling to the nation to recognize that it's already entangled in World War II—at least indirectly.

Like a concussion, a toothache, or a homemade perm, it just can't be ignored.

1. Do FDR's multiple references to historical military conflicts adequately succeed in proving his point about the extreme nature of World War II?
2. Imagine being a member of Congress in 1941. How might you respond to FDR's requests for preemptive military mobilization? Would a member of the Republican Party respond differently than a member of the Democratic Party? If so, how?
3. What are some of the ways that FDR sees World War II as being different from previous wars?
4. Does FDR do an adequate job of arguing in support of military intervention in the form of aid to other countries? Why or why not?

FDR's many historical references are deliberately confusing, and they're simply rhetorical cushions he's using to soften the blow of his request for increased taxation in the name of the war effort.

FDR's carefully constructed speech follows a thoughtful and logical progression of ideas that invalidate the notion of isolationism and highlight America's responsibility as a world power to defend democratic freedoms at home and abroad.