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Teachers & SchoolsFDR knew the country's economy was in really bad shape—that was kind of an open secret—so perhaps the most important aspect of his "First Fireside Chat" was to remind Americans of their duty to help the situation.
In this case, duty was more synonymous with "being responsible than, say, "fighting for your country." Roosevelt wanted people to understand the logical, rational effects of their actions…and he really wanted them to stop keeping their cash under their beds.
In appealing to Americans' sense of duty, President Roosevelt made the Great Depression about individual behavior.
Roosevelt's "First Fireside Chat" attempted to convince Americans that it was their responsibility to pull the country out of the Great Depression.
Ah, the f-word: possibly the most powerful force during the Great Depression.
Fear didn't discriminate—you were afraid if you were poor (that you'd never get out of poverty), and you were afraid if you were rich (that you'd lose your money). A major reason for FDR's speech was to calm the feelings of fear in the country, and he did this through intelligent word choice and his ability to connect to the average American citizen.
Fear was the most powerful motivator of the Great Depression, causing people to panic and make bank runs, hoard their money, and even steal from their neighbors.
A single influential leader can make the fear of the people disappear through confidence, a sense of connection, and empathy.
There are several moments in FDR's speech where he encourages the public to be patient and push through. Roosevelt knows the Depression was, well, depressing for most Americans, so it makes sense that a good part of his chat is encouraging a "hang in there" attitude.
Especially important for Roosevelt was urging patience—the banks had been closed, were about to open, and he fully expected people to rush out and withdraw money. By not opening every bank at once, the government could check on the situation and monitor as needed, but he was worried people might get upset that their personal bank had not yet opened.
Urging the public to persevere and stay patient through the bank holiday was of utmost importance in "First Fireside Chat" due to the fact that banks would be opening slowly…and due to the fact that nation had a tendency to panic.
In encouraging a "push through this" attitude, FDR connected with his people and provided the confidence needed to weather the storm.
Got to hand it to FDR: that guy knew how to choose a word.
Another word for patriotism is loyalty, but "loyalty" might imply passivity, while "patriotism" implies active admiration. Franklin Roosevelt does well by bringing up patriotic elements often in his "First Fireside Chat." He doesn't tell them to be patriotic; instead he applauds their understanding of the government.
In order to gain the support and trust of the people, Roosevelt describes powerful government actions as patriotic. He's being manipulative.
Patriotism is at the heart of "First Fireside Chat," as Roosevelt appeals to America's sense of unity and purpose early and often.
Sometimes it's necessary for a leader to act like a caring parent, and treat his subjects like his children. Especially when the proverbial kitty litter is hitting the proverbial fan.
Roosevelt smartly weaves compassion into his "First Fireside Chat," both for a calming effect and to earn the trust of America. The key point in using compassion in this speech is to relate to the common man, to understand his problems and to build a sense of caring and wellbeing.
During the Great Depression, many people felt (rightfully) sorry for themselves, and perhaps a figurative pat on the shoulder was what they needed to feel understood.
Through coming across as genuine and compassionate, President Roosevelt won the trust of his people and renewed a sense of hope in the nation.
Roosevelt's attempts at compassion in "First Fireside Chat" were easy to see through and clearly political in nature.