How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
While the Napoleonic struggles did threaten interests of the United States because of the French foothold in the West Indies and in Louisiana, and while we engaged in the War of 1812 to vindicate our right to peaceful trade, it is nevertheless clear that neither France nor Great Britain, nor any other nation, was aiming at domination of the whole world. (13)
FDR cites examples from America's military history to define the state of international conflict in 1941. While these examples were victories for America, he's suggesting that such successes shouldn't and can't be taken for granted. The Axis powers want control of the entireworld, which includes the United States.
Quote #2
Even when the World War broke out in 1914, it seemed to contain only small threat of danger to our own American future. (17)
In case his references to Napoleon and the War of 1812 were too obscure, FDR provides another example of military history that was sure to hit close to home.
Though America's involvement in World War I was also successful—it established the relatively young country as a world power—it wasn't without great cost. Many lives were lost in a war that saw new weapons technologies wreak havoc like never before. Even so, the security of the United States as a country was under little threat. However, with World War II, the game had changed once again, and there was no knowing what might happen.
Quote #3
But we learn much from the lessons of the past years in Europe—particularly the lesson of Norway, whose essential seaports were captured by treachery and surprise built up over a series of years. (41)
Perched on top of Europe, Norway attempted to avoid involvement in World War II by declaring itself neutral. This made no difference to Germany, which was interested in controlling Norway because of its major seaports and proximity to Great Britain. As a result, neutral Norway was caught unprepared when Germany suddenly invaded on April 9th, 1940.
Looking across the Atlantic, FDR cites the fall of Norway to illustrate the ruthlessness of Nazi aggression and to demonstrate the possible dangers to the United States should it remain neutral and unprepared, as well.
Quote #4
The first phase of the invasion of this Hemisphere would not be the landing of regular troops. The necessary strategic points would be occupied by secret agents and their dupes—and great numbers of them are already here, and in Latin America. (42-43)
Warfare comes in all forms…including secret ones. Since this isn't a traditional war (but what war is, really?), FDR predicts an Axis invasion wouldn't arrive by traditional means. Instead of soldiers storming the coast and capturing territory, he predicts an inside espionage job. He warns that treasonous infiltration of U.S. security would be the method by which the Axis would topple America. He also warns that such treacherous work has already begun. Feeling paranoid yet?
Quote #5
As long as the aggressor nations maintain the offensive, they—not we—will choose the time and the place and the method of their attack. (44)
If America just sits around waiting for something to happen (but all the while hoping it won't), then the enemy holds the power since they could strike at any moment. The message here is that the United States needs to take control of its own destiny.