Rhetorical Analysis Of Alfred Green Speech

The Civil War was a war fought over slavery, and African American rights, yet the slaves’ and freedmen that this bloody war was fought over could not fight for their country. Alfred Green wished for African Americans to gain the courage and bravery to show this country true patriotism. Green continued that although their past and present situations were low they could look to a future where true freedom is possible. Green made the connection that God is on the side of freedom, and that this endeavor is just and right in the sight of God. Green closed his speech by giving the point that the south was a tyrant to their southern brethren. Green shows the African Americans that this war was not just the whites’ fight but the entire country’s fight.

Green began his speech by telling them that they need to gain a sense of patriotism for their country.

Green emphasized that “Give evidence to the world of bravery and patriotism of a race in whose heart burns the love of country, of freedom, and of civil and religious toleration.” Green uses phrases like love of country and love of freedom to show that they needed to form a sense of patriotism. Green continued with “My country, right or wrong, I love thee still!.” Green makes the point that although this war may be wrong you still must stand with your country. Green wanted them to stand with their country no matter the cause and raise arms when the call was sounded.
Green tried to inspire a hope for a better future even though their past and present position was poor. Green states “While we remember the past and regret that our present position.” Green knew how poor African Americans were treated in the past and in the present. “Yet let us endeavor to hope for the future and improve the present auspicious moment for creating anew our claims upon the justice and honor.” Green shows here that they need to work toward a better tomorrow Green tries to encourage them to look to a future of prosperity and

hope.
Green brought the point out that God saw this endeavor as a just and righteous cause. Green explains “Let us then, take up the sword, trusting in God”. Green asks for them to fight and trust that they will prevail. Green tries to explain to them that this fight is just and that God is on the side of the Union.
Green’s final point was that the south was an oppressive power trying to control the blacks and restrict their rights. Green proves this with “Your very presence among the troops of the North would inspire your oppressed brethren of the South with zeal for the overthrow of the tyrant system”. Green explains to them that the South is that of a tyrant that needs to be overthrown.
Green shows the African Americans that they have a common enemy shared with the north. Green wished that they would develop a sense of patriotism and bravery to stand with their country. Green knows how poorly they have been treated by their country, but explains to them that a better future can be created where all men are created equal. Green conveyed that God was on their side because they were fighting the just fight. Green concluded that the south is a oppressing them and that they should rise up against this oppression. Green showed to African Americans that this country needs help from all men with no concern for color of skin but for love of country.