Historical Question: What characteristics do good war-time speeches share?
Objective: Compare and contrast FDR's Pearl Harbor "Day of Infamy" Speech with George W. Bush's 9-11 Address to the Nation.
Students will examine the context, tone, word choice, and persuassive nature of both texts and audios.
"Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan" --FDR
Step 1: Prepare for the WebQuest by reading the TASK Page Directions and having a sheet of paper out. Each individual will be responsible for their own answers unless doing the Group Venn Diagram.
Step 2: Work your way through the PROCESS Page dealing with FDR's Speech.
A) If need be, refresh yourself on Pearl Harbor (notes, images, & video)
B) Read the text and listen to the audio of FDR's "Day of Infamy" Speech.
C) Answer the questions of FDR's Speech, work with your group members if you need help.
D) Move onto the EVALUATION Page.
Step 3: Work your way through the EVALUATION Page
A) If need be, refresh yourself with 9-11.
B) Read George W. Bush's 9-11 Address to the Nation.
C) Listen to the audio of Bush's 9-11 Address to the Nation.
D) Answer the questions on Bush's 9-11 Address to the Nation, work with your group members if you need help.
E) Move onto the CONCLUSION Page.
Step 4: On the CONCLUSION Page, compare and contrast FDR and Bush's speeches with a group Venn Diagram (hard copy - 1 per group)
Step 5: On the TEACHER'S PAGE complete the posted EXIT-SLIP on the back of your group's Venn Diagram and turn both the EXIT-SLIP and Venn Diagram in together.
1) Review of December 7th, 1941 (Pearl Harbor)
Catching the U.S. Pacific Navy off-guard, the Japanese sneak attack of Pearl Harbor was tragic. With the American battleships being organized in what was known as Battleship Row, many of these vessels and the men on board were sitting ducks to the first of three waves of Japanese fighter pilots. In particular, the explosion of the USS Arizona was burned in the American public's mind.
2) Examine FDR's Response to Pearl Harbor
Still reeling from the news, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt told the American public of the news that Pearl Harbor had been bombed by a Japanese sneak attack and now the United States was at war. In what is known as his "Day of Infamy" (below), FDR broadcasts the tragic news to the nation.
2A) Text of FDR's "Day of Infamy" Speech
Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.
2B) Audio of FDR's "Day of Infamy" Speech
3) Questions
-Why is the opening statement of FDR's speech so important?
-What are some examples of FDR's word choice?
-What is the context of FDR's speech?
-What is the tone of FDR's speech?
-How is FDR both mournful and proud at the same time?
-What is FDR's POV on Pearl Harbor and what the United States should do in response?
1) Review of September 11th, 2001
On September 11th, 2001 four coordinated terrorist attacks shocked the United States. The Islamic terrorist group of al-Qaeda and their leader Osma Bin Laden caused the deaths of nearly 3,000 individuals. The most deadly and devasting attacks were on the symbolic Twin Towers in New York City. Two of the hijacked commericial passenger planes crashed into the North and South Towers (both of which came crashing down).
2) Evaluate G.W. Bush's 9-11 Address to the Nation
As the nation watched the tragic events in New York City unfold on national television, the country seemed to stand still for a moment. Americans across the nation met and contacted family members and there was fear of more attacks. As Americans sat down with their families at the end of the day, President George W. Bush reassured the nation and discuss the events of the day with a live broadcast from the Oval Office. That evening, G.W. Bush presented his 9-11 Address to the Nation (below)...
2A) Text of G.W. Bush's 9-11 Address to the Nation
"A Great People Has Been Moved to Defend a Great Nation"
Good evening.
Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge -- huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong.
A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.
Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington D.C. to help with local rescue efforts. Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well.
The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance. America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.
Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.
This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
Thank you. Good night. And God bless America.
2B) Audio of G.W. Bush's 9-11 Address to the Nation
3) Questions
-What is the context of G.W. Bush's speech?
-What is Bush's POV on the terrorist attacks and what the United States should do in response?
-What are some examples of Bush's word choice?
-What is the tone of Bush's speech?
-How is Bush both mournful and proud at the same time?
1) Comparison of War Speeches
FDR's "Day of Infamy" & G.W. Bush's 9-11 Address to the Nation
With your group, compare and contrast FDR's speech after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and Bush's speech after the terrorist attacks on September 11th.
*Your group will turn one Venn Diagram in for the whole group, but everyone should contribute and should write on it (Thus, Mr. Sheppard should see multiple hand writing on it).
*Be sure not only to include historical themes and S.P.R.I.T.E., but analyze the formating of both speeches...
Hint: Look for POV, tone, word choice, reoccurring themes, and persuasiveness.
1) EXIT-SLIP = PERSUASIVE ABILITY
Exit-Slip = Which speech better persuades the American people to enter a war? Which speech convinces you personally to want to defend the United States more? Explain why...
**Put your group answer on the back on your group's Venn Diagram
[img_assist|nid=22673|title=USS Arizona Memorial|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=421][img_assist|nid=22674|title=9-11 Memorial at Night|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=640|height=427]
