The weeks and months leading up to the days before the date that will live in infamy were filled with uncertainty and contradicting ideals. With a full fledged war progressing steadily in Europe, America was still innocent of bloodshed. Yet the citizens of the United States were divided in their attitudes toward the war and in the way in which they should proceed. However, all doubt was erased from the minds of Americans when on December 7th, 1941, Japan unexpectedly attacked Pearl Harbor, killing more than 2000 soldiers and civilians. Instantly, the incident united the American people in a massive mobilization for war and strengthened American resolve to guard against any future lapse of military alertness (National Archives). The next day, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered one of his most powerful addresses to the nation. With a country reeling in terror and anguish, he was forced to painstakingly pick each eloquent word, by which to best convey his feeling!.
s of comfort and support to a devastated people.
President Roosevelt first needed to express the severity of what had happened to the country. The statement "a date which will live in infamy" conveys a sense of finality and mysticism instantaneously grabs the attention of the listener and in a way, convicts Americans with a sense pride, duty, and nationalistic integrity. Roosevelt had to choose these opening words carefully, because he would be judged by the world instantaneously. He needed to immediately radiate with firmness and courage. He needed to motivate his audience quickly and decisively; he was able to do this by explaining what happened, and by picking his beginning words with great care. Consequently, the editorial page of the nation's newspapers and magazines routinely carried stories and editorial cartoons, either lauding the President for providing inspiration and leadership to a depression weary and beleaguered country; or - roundly criticizing him for his mishandling of various Democratic Party administration programs (USS Arizona Memorial).