Question

Read Franklin Roosevelt’s request for a declaration of war.

What are the main purposes of this speech? Select two options.

to issue a threat to the country of Japan
to explain why military action is necessary
to propose alternatives for a next course of action
to rally the support of the American people for war
to show differences between the US and Japan

Answer 1

- to explain why military action is necessary — FDR details the surprise attack, casualties, and evidence of deliberate aggression to justify a military response.
- to rally the support of the American people for war — he frames the attack as a national emergency and calls for united action, asking Congress (and the nation) to support a declaration of war.