FDR's Speech Quiz

What is the central idea of FDR's speech?

• The United States should avoid involvement in foreign conflicts.

• The United States will defend itself and seek victory after being attacked by Japan.

• Diplomatic negotiations with Japan are still ongoing.

• The United States will retaliate only if other countries are threatened.

Answer explanation

 The central idea of FDR's speech is that the United States will defend itself and seek victory after Japan's unprovoked attack. He makes this clear when he states that the attack will not only be defended against but avenged, leading to an "absolute victory." Other choices either misrepresent the focus of the speech or fail to address the broader goal of defending the nation.

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Which of the following statements from FDR's speech supports the claim that Japan had planned the attack on Pearl Harbor in advance?

• "The United States was at peace with that nation."

• "One hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing..."

• "It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago."

• "Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya."

Answer explanation

• The statement "the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago" explicitly supports FDR's claim that Japan had planned the attack in advance. This provides clear evidence of premeditation, in contrast to the other options, which do not directly address Japan’s forethought.

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Based on the context of the speech, what does the word "infamy" most likely mean in the phrase "a date which will live in infamy"?

• Courage

• Importance

• Shame

• Glory

Answer explanation

The word "infamy" in the phrase "a date which will live in infamy" refers to the shameful and notorious nature of the attack. The context of the speech, focusing on the unprovoked and deceitful actions of Japan, makes "shame" the most fitting meaning.

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How does FDR develop his argument that the attack on Pearl Harbor was unprovoked?

• By emphasizing the peaceful relationship between the U.S. and Japan prior to the attack.

• By focusing on the military power of Japan.

• By describing the devastation caused to American forces.

• By asking Congress for immediate military action.

Answer explanation

FDR develops his argument that the attack was unprovoked by emphasizing that the U.S. was in peaceful diplomatic conversations with Japan. He highlights that Japan was outwardly negotiating while secretly preparing for an attack, underscoring the treachery involved.

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How does FDR connect the idea of the attack on Pearl Harbor to the broader conflict in the Pacific?

• He downplays the significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor in relation to other conflicts.

• He lists a series of Japanese attacks on other Pacific territories.

• He focuses only on the damage done to American ships in Hawaii.

• He describes Japan's military weaknesses in the Pacific.

Answer explanation

• FDR connects the attack on Pearl Harbor to broader Pacific conflicts by listing multiple other Japanese attacks on territories such as Malaya, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. This shows that the attack was part of a larger offensive, not an isolated event.

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How does FDR use the phrase "righteous might" to advance his point of view?

• To emphasize that the U.S. military is larger than Japan's.

• To suggest that the U.S. will use its moral superiority to win the war.

• To encourage fear of further attacks.

• To highlight the weakness of Japan’s position.

Answer explanation

• The phrase "righteous might" implies a moral superiority, suggesting that the U.S. will triumph not just through physical strength but through the justice of its cause. This advances FDR’s argument that America is justified in defending itself and retaliating.

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Which rhetorical appeal does FDR primarily use when he states, "With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph"?

• Pathos, appealing to emotion and national pride

• Logos, appealing to logic and reason

• Ethos, establishing his credibility as president

• Humor, lightening the mood in a tense moment

Answer explanation

• The statement appeals to pathos by evoking a sense of national pride and determination. FDR is stirring the emotions of his audience, inspiring confidence and a belief in the "inevitable triumph," which appeals to the listeners’ sense of unity and resolve.

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Which of the following best describes FDR's argument for why the U.S. must enter into war with Japan?

• Japan's attack has endangered the lives and safety of the nation.

• Japan’s economy will collapse without U.S. intervention.

• Diplomatic efforts have been successful and should continue.

• The United States should take advantage of Japan’s vulnerability.

Answer explanation

• FDR argues that the attack on Pearl Harbor has placed the U.S. in grave danger. He refers to the loss of American lives, the damage to military forces, and the broader threat to national security, all of which justify the need for war.

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How does FDR justify his request for a declaration of war?

• By describing Japan as weak and unprepared for retaliation.

• By detailing the American losses and emphasizing the unprovoked nature of the attack.

• By outlining the economic benefits of entering the war.

• By discussing the possibility of negotiating peace with Japan.

Answer explanation

• FDR justifies his request for a declaration of war by detailing the unprovoked nature of the attack, including Japan's false diplomatic efforts and the significant damage to American forces. This solid evidence backs his call for immediate action.

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What evidence does FDR provide to support his argument that the Japanese government was deceitful?

• He describes the surprise nature of the attacks across multiple Pacific islands.

• He mentions that Japan sent a formal reply to the U.S. just before the attack, stating that negotiations were still ongoing.

• He emphasizes the military strength of Japan.

• He describes the number of American ships lost in the attack.

Answer explanation

DR provides evidence of Japan’s deceit when he mentions that Japan's diplomats delivered a formal reply just before the attack, indicating that negotiations were ongoing without any hint of war. This statement shows that Japan was pretending to negotiate peace while planning the surprise attack, underscoring their deception.

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