Four Freedoms Speech: Not With a Bang, but With a Sneaky Surprise (Sentences 37-46) Summary

The Enemy Is Among Us

  • FDR references an earlier speech of his, the so-called "Great Arsenal of Democracy" fireside chat.
  • He subtly scolds people for mistakenly thinking the United States is exempt from the conflicts of World War II, but he pumps the brakes on any out-of-control speculation about imminent danger.
  • He discredits the possibility that the United States would encounter a head-on assault by way of an invasion from the sea, but he implies the enemies would be much more tactical about their attack.
  • Explaining what he means, FDR looks to what has happened in Europe for examples, especially Norway, which fell because Germany strategically and secretly took its seaports over a long period of time.
  • He describes a similar espionage-based infiltration of the United States, complete with spies and "dupes," and then freaks everyone out by claiming they are already present on the continent.
  • He proclaims that as long as the enemy is active, they have the advantage in deciding when and how to attack the United States.
  • This is why FDR believes America is in danger.
  • This is why his address is unlike any that has come before.
  • So, there.