President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Day of Infamy Speech
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)
Roosevelt Address to Congress
Published By:
Justin Spears
Historical Era:
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)
Thinking Skill:
Historical Analysis & Interpretation
Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Analyzing
Grade Level:
High School
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Have students read through the three pages of text for Roosevelt’s address to Congress asking for a declaration of war. Perhaps start by reminding students that war powers rest with Congress, so even an event like Pearl Harbor requires the president to obtain permission from Congress to officially enter a war.
As students read the document, have them take notes over specific language Roosevelt used; imagery, vivid language, etc. This will help them to identify the tone of the speech.
After they have read through the speech, have them answer the analysis questions.
Conduct a brief verbal discussion or pair share with classmates over what they identified
Conclude by playing the speech on YouTube. Have them compare what they see/hear to what they read. Did it change the tone of the speech? Why was the reading the text of the speech different than hearing/seeing it delivered?
To the extent possible under law, Justin Spears has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “Roosevelt Address to Congress”
Description
This activity will challenge students to identify the tone and language used by Roosevelt as he address Congress in the wake of the Pearl Harbor attack.