The introduction to the text explains that Roosevelt is using this "chat" to ask Americans to buy war bonds-in other words, to contribute money toward the war effort. Explain how Roosevelt crafts his message in order to be persuasive in this effort.

Question

Cite particular sentences, paragraphs or both that support your analysis.

Answer 1

Roosevelt crafts his message in a persuasive manner by using a combination of emotional appeal, patriotism, and logical reasoning. He aims to connect with the readers on an emotional level, while also presenting a compelling argument for why buying war bonds is necessary for the war effort.

One way he persuades his audience is by appealing to their emotions. He acknowledges the hardships and sacrifices that Americans are facing due to the war, saying "I am certain that the American people are unwilling to impose additional sacrifices upon our soldiers and sailors." By acknowledging the pain and sacrifices, he taps into the empathy of the readers and creates a sense of unity.

Furthermore, he connects the purchase of war bonds to a sense of patriotism. He emphasizes that it is a duty of every citizen to support their soldiers, stating, "I am confident that every man and every woman in our country who can possibly afford to buy them should buy them." This appeal to duty and obligation appeals to a sense of national pride and encourages individuals to take action.

Roosevelt also employs logical reasoning in his message. He explains the importance of war bonds by presenting the tangible impact they would have on the war effort, stating, "Every dollar invested by the American people in War Bonds becomes a dollar spent on the products the fighting men need." He links the purchase of war bonds to the practical necessity of providing resources for the troops, making it easier for readers to see the direct impact of their contribution.

In conclusion, Roosevelt crafts his message to be persuasive through emotional appeal, patriotism, and logical reasoning. By connecting with the readers on an emotional level, appealing to their sense of duty and national pride, and presenting a strong argument for the necessity of war bonds, he effectively urges Americans to contribute to the war effort.