Excerpt from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fireside Chat (December 29, 1940)

Question

Directions: Distribute the excerpt and have students highlight or underline key phrases that explain why Roosevelt believed the U.S. should support the Allies. Discuss the meaning of "arsenal of democracy" as a class.

"We must be the great arsenal of democracy. For us, this is an [emergency as serious as war itself]. We must apply ourselves to our task with the same resolution, the same sense of urgency, the same spirit of patriotism and sacrifice as we would show were we at war. The people of Europe who are defending themselves do not ask us to do their fighting. They ask us for the implements of war, the planes, the tanks, the guns, the freighters, which will enable them to fight for their liberty and our security."

Comprehension:
What does President Roosevelt mean by "the great arsenal of democracy"?
What are the "implements of war" mentioned in the excerpt?
Analysis:
Why does Roosevelt compare this time to an "emergency as serious as war itself"?
How does this speech justify supporting the Allies without officially joining the war?
Critical Thinking:
Do you think the U.S. had a responsibility to help other countries before being attacked directly? Why or why not?
How might people in the U.S. have reacted to this speech?

Answer 1

Comprehension

1. What does President Roosevelt mean by "the great arsenal of democracy"?

   • Roosevelt means that the United States should serve as a major supplier of war materials and support for democratic nations fighting against tyranny. He envisions the U.S. providing the necessary equipment and resources to empower and sustain the Allies in their fight for freedom and democracy.

2. What are the "implements of war" mentioned in the excerpt?

   • The "implements of war" refer to military supplies and equipment that include planes, tanks, guns, and freighters. These items are essential for nations to defend themselves and their democratic values against aggressors.

Analysis

3. Why does Roosevelt compare this time to an "emergency as serious as war itself"?

   • Roosevelt emphasizes that the global threat posed by authoritarian regimes is as critical as being directly engaged in war. He wants to convey the idea that the security of the United States and the preservation of democracy are in jeopardy, and that immediate and decisive action is required to support those who are fighting against tyranny.

4. How does this speech justify supporting the Allies without officially joining the war?

   • The speech articulates that the United States can support the Allies by supplying them with necessary military equipment without directly engaging in combat. By framing support as a moral obligation and a means to protect democracy and national security, Roosevelt presents aid as a strategic necessity rather than an entry into war.

Critical Thinking

5. Do you think the U.S. had a responsibility to help other countries before being attacked directly? Why or why not?

   • This is subjective and can vary among individuals. Some may argue that global leadership and moral responsibility necessitate aiding democratic nations to prevent the spread of totalitarianism, thereby ensuring collective security. Others may contend that the U.S. should prioritize its own national interests and involve itself only when directly threatened.

6. How might people in the U.S. have reacted to this speech?

   • Reactions would likely have been mixed. Some Americans may have felt a strong sense of duty and patriotism toward supporting the Allies, recognizing the threat posed by Axis powers. Others might have been skeptical or opposed to increased involvement in foreign conflicts, particularly considering the isolationist sentiment prevalent in the country at that time. The speech could have rallied many to support war production efforts while also generating debate over the implications of deeper involvement in the war.