Question
"FDR 1941 State of the Union Address"
by Franklin D. Roosevelt
It is true that prior to 1914 the United States often had been disturbed by events in other Continents. We had even engaged in two wars with European nations and in a number of undeclared wars in the West Indies, in the Mediterranean and in the Pacific for the maintenance of American rights and for the principles of peaceful commerce. But in no case had a serious threat been raised against our national safety or our continued independence.
What I seek to convey is the historic truth that the United States as a nation has at all times maintained clear, definite opposition, to any attempt to lock us in behind an ancient Chinese wall while the procession of civilization went past. Today, thinking of our children and of their children, we oppose enforced isolation for ourselves or for any other part of the Americas.
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
In this passage, Roosevelt claims the United States is always active in foreign affairs. Which acts as a premise for this conclusion?
"But in no case had a serious threat been raised against our national safety or our continued independence."
"We had even engaged in two wars with European nations and in a number of undeclared wars in the West Indies. . . ."
“It is true that prior to 1914 the United States often had been disturbed by events in other Continents.”
"Today, thinking of our children and of their children, we oppose enforced isolation for ourselves or for any other part of the Americas."
by Franklin D. Roosevelt
It is true that prior to 1914 the United States often had been disturbed by events in other Continents. We had even engaged in two wars with European nations and in a number of undeclared wars in the West Indies, in the Mediterranean and in the Pacific for the maintenance of American rights and for the principles of peaceful commerce. But in no case had a serious threat been raised against our national safety or our continued independence.
What I seek to convey is the historic truth that the United States as a nation has at all times maintained clear, definite opposition, to any attempt to lock us in behind an ancient Chinese wall while the procession of civilization went past. Today, thinking of our children and of their children, we oppose enforced isolation for ourselves or for any other part of the Americas.
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
In this passage, Roosevelt claims the United States is always active in foreign affairs. Which acts as a premise for this conclusion?
"But in no case had a serious threat been raised against our national safety or our continued independence."
"We had even engaged in two wars with European nations and in a number of undeclared wars in the West Indies. . . ."
“It is true that prior to 1914 the United States often had been disturbed by events in other Continents.”
"Today, thinking of our children and of their children, we oppose enforced isolation for ourselves or for any other part of the Americas."
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The premise that supports Roosevelt's conclusion that the United States is always active in foreign affairs is:
"We had even engaged in two wars with European nations and in a number of undeclared wars in the West Indies. . . ."
This statement provides specific examples of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, thereby serving as a foundation for the claim of ongoing engagement in international matters.
"We had even engaged in two wars with European nations and in a number of undeclared wars in the West Indies. . . ."
This statement provides specific examples of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, thereby serving as a foundation for the claim of ongoing engagement in international matters.