Discussion Replies Academic Help
Can you help me understand this History question?
Andrew Martin
FDR’s First Inaugural Address
The most interesting primary source to me was Roosevelt’s first inaugural address. This was one of the most iconic speeches in American history. At this time, America was going through the Great Depression, and Roosevelt was recently elected President. His message was one of hope for a bright future in what he described as some of America’s darkest days. One line from his speech sums up the entire message. Even if some have no idea where this comes from, most people in America have heard one line from his speech. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” (Roosevelt, 1933). He wanted people to not be afraid of the future and learn from the past. He laid out two primary tasks that he wanted to focus on. “I shall spare no effort to restore world trade by international economic readjustment, but the emergency at home cannot wait on this accomplishment.” (Roosevelt, 1933). He went on further to describe his mission by describing the American people as a “trained and loyal army,” and that we are “dedicated to a disciplined attack on our common problems.” (Roosevelt, 1933). Simply put, we all must come together and work together as a nation to fix our own problems. The American government leaders and citizens of today could learn a lot by studying this speech.
Chad Noe
The Klansman’s Manual
The Klansman’s Manual was very appealing to many white Americans back in the 20s. The manual was released in the middle of the segregation period, so many white Americans didn’t like the African American community much. The purpose of this manual was to spread information about what the Klan stood for and who could join it. A large appeal was the belief that the white race is superior to others and that they are trying to preserve what is good. Another appeal is that of patriotism. They have perverted American thinking by making themselves think that racism and preserving the white race is patriotic. Another appeal would be a bond that many people could share with people just like them. They treated each other as brothers with like-minded mentalities. A large appeal would be their integration of religion into this cult. They perverted Christianity and made it look like God chose the white race to be superior when, He created all races to be equal. They claim to protect womanhood, the weak, and to please American interests, but all they are doing is forming a group of hatred against people who are not like them while they think they are superior beings.
