Rhetorical Analysis Of Fdr's First Inaugural Address

Never Fear
During one of America's toughest times, one man seemed to have all the answers. This man, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided confidence and inspired pride in America's past in his First Inaugural Address. His speech resonated deeply with listeners because of his unwavering, certain voice which called for action with no delay. While facing the turbulent times of the Great Depression, he outlined ideas for the New Deal, a program he hoped would help remedy America's economic troubles. To top it all off, Roosevelt tapped in to his listeners' emotions as he reminded America's people of their ancestors. With his confidence, his calculated plan of action, and his consideration for the people, Franklin Roosevelt delivered one of the best speeches in American history.
In a time full of uncertainty with a failing economy, Roosevelt boldly reassured the American people that they made the right decision in electing him. Roosevelt confidently declared that the nation would not shirk away from its troubles, but instead endure them. To further America's trust in him, he spoke straight to them as he echoed their principles. With an air of experience, he admitted that while America faced struggles, it could still overcome them. His

insistence on action comprised much of this speech as he emphasized that America "is asking for action, and action now." Whether his programs would work or not, he certainly convinced the American people of his good intentions.
Not only did Roosevelt instill support of him in the audience, he explained the creation of his New Deal projects.

Roosevelt gave his concerns about the country, such as high taxes, government debt, and long term savings for many families vanishing. He stated that the "greatest primary task is to put people to work," which he suggested the government should treat like war in its urgency. His plans for a better America also included acting like a good neighbor to other countries. For America to endure, he said, it must not ignore its problems and its people must speak "the whole truth, frankly and boldly." Through his introduction of the New Deal, Roosevelt had a means by which to energize Americans with more than just flowery

language.
In his speech Roosevelt devoted time to talking about Americans' relationships with each other and the importance of these affiliations. Although he made his plan for action the main component of the speech, Roosevelt did make some attempt to arouse the emotions of his listeners. Because of America's trust in him, Roosevelt said that he would "return the courage and devotion" as necessary. Togetherness, Roosevelt pointed out, would help America recover, stating that tiring days lie ahead "hand in hand." Instead of ignoring the problems of the country he inherited, Roosevelt acknowledged the many difficulties the American people faced regularly through the Great Depression. At the end of his address, Roosevelt asked for God's blessing, for protection and guidance. While he emphasized his plan for action, Roosevelt still tried to appeal to his audience as a human being, not just a politician.
Roosevelt's speech offered his audience all they needed to hear to support him as their president. In this speech, Roosevelt left quite a memorable impression with "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself," a now famous quote. His well-reasoned words included a purpose behind his poetic language. Judging him solely on his speech, many in that time would trust him and not fear the times ahead. Whether because of his policies which he discussed in his speech or through the war effort, the economy did experience the recovery Roosevelt hoped for during his presidency. Even today, America employs many of the programs first Roosevelt instituted, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and Social Security. With his eloquent inauguration speech, Roosevelt highlighted everything America needed to hear during the trying times of the Great Depression.