Freedoms Four All - an Analysis of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 3rd State of the Union Address

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, at the beginning of his third term in office, performs his constitutional duty to provide a State of the Union address to Congress about his expectations in the world. By the end of his speech he speaks of the four freedoms he believes every person deserves: speech and expression, religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Roosevelt reveals the current condition of the world in which these freedoms cannot exist. He claims that people deserve economic security in developing nations. Also, he believes that countries deserve democracy which can guarantee freedom from want. Talking to Congress is the most direct way to explain his expectations while ensuring they'll get his objectives accomplished. Because the Democrats have the majority in the 77th Congress and Roosevelt aligns with the Democratic Party there is little factionalism, or ideological conflict, between Roosevelt's delivery and those who receive it (Office of the Clerk). Roosevelt sophisticatedly directs the 77th Congress attention to a new era in United States policy through discussion of the state of the world and changes America must execute to reach ideal coexistence in this world.

Roosevelt reveals the current condition of the world during his address to Congress. The first concept that Roosevelt covers is the new conditions of the world. He specifically puts emphasis on the word "unprecedented" because "at no previous time has American security been as seriously threatened from [the outside] as it is today" (Roosevelt). This effectively captures Congress's attention in two ways. The first is that Congress needs to be aware of change. Not only Roosevelt's diction, but his tone as well, stresses the importance of the new variable that must be factored in. Roosevelt's second effective tool is his threat. This stream of logos raises interest in all those in the audience who strive to protect the country. Later in the speech, Roosevelt historically alludes to "the Maximilian interlude in Mexico" as the only "foreign power sought to establish itself in [the Western Hemisphere]" (Roosevelt). Roosevelt is also referring to the current situation in Europe at the time. Hitler is expanding the territory of Germany and Maximilian threatens the United States as a rival in the same hemisphere. Roosevelt draws parallels between to the two leaders because he expects the United States to respond just as appropriately to Hitler as it has in the past with Maximilian. Through Roosevelt's allusion he is able to convey his ideas more effectively because Congress can understand the precedent to the current situation. Roosevelt continues with a positive reminder: "the strength of the British fleet in the Atlantic has been a friendly strength; it is still a friendly strength" (Roosevelt). Roosevelt reminds his audience of not only the resources to which the United States can use to aid their goal but more importantly that not all hope is lost. For most of the speech Roosevelt discusses the problems which exist in the world so that Congress knows where there United States must step in to make a positive change, and though this approach is effectively conveying his message, Roosevelt is sure to include hope as to not alienate Congress' motivation with too much pressure. Overall, Roosevelt establishes the context of the world in his speech to convey his message more effectively.

Roosevelt also dictates how the United States should approach the issues at hand in the new era of United States policy. Roosevelt's first condition is that although "[the United States takes] pride in the fact that [it is] soft-hearted; ... [the United States] cannot afford to be soft-headed" (Roosevelt). This juxtaposition of concepts points out the subtle differences which Roosevelt uses for clarity while mapping out his ideas. His biggest concern is to help other countries while maintaining safety for his main priority, the US. The speech then begins to suggest alternative approaches to the policy: "the need of the moment is that [the United States'] actions and [the United States'] policy should be devoted primarily - almost exclusively - to meeting... foreign peril" (Roosevelt). This suggestion is very logical in context with the example of foreign threat to our country. This is also a direct approach for Roosevelt to reveal his ideas. However, "[he cannot] be charged with seeking his great executive powers out of his admiration for strong centralized government" (McAvoy); Roosevelt believes that his demands during his address to Congress are necessary at such a dangerous time. Another direct approach that Roosevelt uses is when he lists some of his policy goals: "We should bring more citizens under the coverage of old-age pensions and unemployment insurance. We should widen the opportunities for adequate medical care. We should plan a better system by which persons deserving or needing gainful employment may obtain it" (Roosevelt). This parallel structure engraves a to-do list into his audiences' minds not only making clear his goals but using diction which suggests that he himself is working together with Congress as a country to accomplish his goals. Roosevelt clearly guides Congress for them to carry out his wishes.

Roosevelt sufficiently represents his mission in his State of the Union Address to Congress through his explanation of the context of the world, and explanation of his expectations. Roosevelt's speech touches the world most directly with his talk of the "four freedoms." As his lists these four freedoms he is crying out "everywhere in the world" because these goals are what he wants the US to fight for but not only for the benefit of the US. Instead Roosevelt is advocating the new policy in the US to benefit the world. This comes though also when Roosevelt incorporates the "four freedoms" into the Atlantic Charter so that other countries may aid his quest of international freedom. The "four freedoms" message remains an enduring idea and inspires Norman Rockwell, a famous painter of that time period, to produce a series of "four freedoms paintings" in honor of these ideas (Perry). Roosevelt's four freedoms live today because while giving his speech Roosevelt is able to properly convey his goals to Congress and the world.