Rhetoric Techniques Used In Woodrow Wilson's Congress

Through various rhetoric methods, Woodrow Wilson addressed the congress on April 2nd 1917, focusing on the issue of the government of Germany restoring the policy of total submarine warfare. He presents his point’s applying various rhetoric devices including emotional and authoritative appeals. He appeals emotionally calling to attention the loss of unknowing American lives that were only on vacation or mercy missions. He calls to attention the lack of fair warning allowing the crew to escape before sinking the ships, claiming that the loss of life far outweighed the loss of property in value of the US.

He uses a limited assortment of convincing appeals, never actually stating that he is in control, instead purely stating his opinions as facts.

Therefore, slightly establishing him as the authority in that moment. These appeals from as subtle as “The present German submarine warfare against commerce is warfare against mankind. It is war against all nations,” including America in those all nations, so stating that Germany has declared war on America by its actions. Or as obvious as coming right out and saying “I shall take the liberty of suggesting … measures to (eliminate this threat using American military forces.) In contrast to this display of power however the first sentence contains a concession to the power of congress stating, "It was neither right nor constitutionally permissible that (he) should assume the responsibility of making [the decisions at hand]."

President Wilson shows a wonderful understanding of emotions and emotional appeal as he unleashes a nearly unrelenting barrage of well worded, powerful, touching emotional appeals to draw in the congress and lead them to his opinions.

Using phrases like “Laws of humanity” to describe the “atrocities” committed by the German submarine commanders. He speaks of giving crews of non-military vessels a “fair chance to save their lives”, as these are civilization, not soldiers, before sinking their vessel. He speaks of the German Government even sinking vessels that were promised safe passage with the same “reckless lack of compassion and principles.” His most powerful appeal to the emotion of congress regards the loss of life as opposed to the loss of property. Stating “I am not now (referring to) the loss of property involved, immense and serious as it is, but only of the wanton and wholesale destruction of the lives of non-combatants and men. Women and children, engaged in pursuits…. been deemed innocent and legitimate.” Using this appeal he leads Congress to envision a family, maybe even their own, on a cruise, enjoying each others company, then the terror on their faces as they hear and see a giant explosion near the bow of the boat. See the horror in their eyes watching their ship slowly slip into the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, their only hope of survival sinking with

it.

Though the speech was not the most effective in accomplishing its goals, it does have much to teach us about the power of a well-written, strong emotional appeal. Pulling at our heartstrings and leading our emotions to want, what the speaker wants us to want.