Asked by qp

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

–Address to Congress requesting a declaration
of war with Japan,
President Franklin D. Roosevelt

What kind of persuasive technique does the underlined word demonstrate?

How does this word contribute to the overall message?

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
The underlined word is an example of loaded/emotive language (a pathos appeal) — specifically name-calling or demonization.

Why it matters: calling the attack “dastardly” gives it a strongly negative moral charge, provoking anger and outrage. That emotional framing paints Japan as cowardly and evil, justifies a firm military response, and helps persuade Congress and the public that declaring war is necessary and morally right.