SOAPTONE First Inaugural Address of FDR

Source  

Who wrote the document?   

Franklin D. Roosevelt

What is the author’s background/point of view? 

He was the 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945), a democrat, and leader of the New Deal which promoted Central government power in the times of economic stress such as the Great Depression after the 1920s.  

Whose point of view, given the topic, is 
missing?  

The point of view missing is those of Congress. FDR is planning on asking congress for the power as if they were going to war, but congress has not yet responded.

Do you consider the source a reliable one on this topic?  Why/why not?

This source is a reliable source on documenting Roosevelt's belief in the need for change in the american system. It also shows how effective of a speaker and persuader he was.

Occasion  

When was the document written?  

March 4th, 1933

What does the date of the document tell you about its content?

this speech was written right after the stock market crash in 1929. The United States was in a deep depression due to over speculation. People were buying stocks on credit and when banks collapsed they called in their debts. These banks were independent rather than backed by the federal government. There was over production and not enough people to buy the stuff that was being made.  

What other historical events were going on during this time?

The stock market crash 

Audience  

To whom is the author writing?  

The author is speaking to American citizens while trying to persuade congress. 

What type of document is this (diary entry, personal letter, public speech,
etc.)?    

This is an inaugural address (a public speech). 

Does the private/public nature of the document inform you about its content(is the author sharing private thoughts, making a public pronouncement,
etc.)?

Because this is a public document that is trying to persuade congress and the citizens of the United States it may  

Purpose  
Why was the document written?  What is the purpose of the document?  

The document was written to persuade congress to give FDR the power as if they were in a war with a foreign country. Roosevelt is going to war against poverty as can be seen in the many times he alludes to the common people as an"army" and him as the "leader".

What is the document saying?

see above

Tone

What is the attitude of the speaker?

Roosevelt is very optimistic. In order to inspire his subject he puts hope and praise throughout his paper.