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‘A Date Which Will Live In ___________’

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Compare and Contrast

On the evening of December 7th, 1941, following meetings with his military advisers, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dictated to his secretary a request to Congress for a declaration of war. He had composed the speech in his head after deciding on a brief, uncomplicated appeal to the people of the United States.

President Roosevelt then revised the typed draft—marking it up, updating details, and altering some words to change the speech’s tone. Final copies were prepared, then Roosevelt altered the speech in three more places. On December 8, Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Congress and the nation via radio.

Read, analyze and contrast the typewritten draft and the final copy.

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View the full activity: https://docsteach.org/activity/a-date-which-will-live-in-___________/

Read, analyze and contrast the typewritten draft and the final reading copy. Cite specific textual evidence to support your opinion.

  • What was the purpose of the speech?
  • What evidence does FDR provide to support his argument?
  • Describe the structure of FDR’s speech. How is information presented?
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To the extent possible under law, National Archives Foundation has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “‘A Date Which Will Live In ___________’”