Franklin gave a speech on March 4, 1933. Part of the speech says,” I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our people impel. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
Meaning of Franklin’s Speech
By comparing the Great Depression to a war and stating that the only solution to this situation was to give the Executive Branch the ability to fight this ‘war’, Roosevelt hoped to convince Americans that he needed more power to execute his plan.
The Purpose of Franklin’s Speech
In his speech, Roosevelt sought to persuade both the American people and Congress to support his plan to aid the country in recovering from the Great Depression. To make his message stronger, he compared the crisis to a war, showing how serious the situation was and how urgently the nation needed to take action.
Meaning of Words
Impel means: Drive, force, or urge (someone) to do something.
Preeminently means: Above all; in particular.
Endure means: Suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently
Unjustified means: Not shown to be right or reasonable