Classroom Activities

Activity 3: Discuss Roosevelt's Speech

Read Roosevelt's speech independently. Then listen as Roosevelt himself reads it. In small groups summarize the speech and discuss why it is effective. Think about the following questions:

Compare the words that Roosevelt used to describe the Japanese invaders with the words he used to describe the American people. What is the effect of each on the listener or reader?

How would you have responded to this message from the President?

Because the United Sates had earlier cracked the Japanese military codes, they had known that a large attack was being planned. How do you think that knowledge affected the peace negotiations Roosevelt describes?

Have a class discussion to share opinions and memorable quotes from the speech.