Any good speech takes the audience on a journey. And it has to be an interesting journey—you know, like Frodo and Sam Gamgee's—because, typically, you're listening to it.

FDR's "Great Arsenal of Democracy" speech was intended to get the American people to manufacture weapons in order to help Great Britain in the fight against Nazi Germany. In order to do that, and keep everybody focused on what he was saying, FDR appealed to the listeners' emotions by painting super-vivid pictures of what the Axis were doing overseas, and what the consequences would be if America didn't get involved in some way.

The speech was effective largely because the American people trusted FDR, as well as his method of communication. Plus, everybody was worried about what was going on in Europe, so if the president spoke about it, people stopped and listened.

How it Breaks Down

The Cold, Hard Truth

As much as he enjoys chatting casually with the American people via radio, the president's job first and foremost is to keep his people safe. That's why FDR warns the public he'll be talking about some unpleasant things.

The Full Scoop

Britain and Greece are fighting really hard to prevent the bad guys from getting any real power, but keep in mind that Germany, Italy, and Japan all signed an agreement promising to attack the U.S. if Americans tried to interfere with their plans. That's what's really happening in Europe, and the Axis are watching the United States.

Isolationism Might Not Be The Answer

A lot of Americans justified avoiding conflict by saying the Axis have no interest in attacking the United States. No so. They're definitely interested, and if they gain any real power, America will be in deep water.

No One Will Be Safe if the Axis Gain Too Much Power

When Germany invaded various countries in Europe, they promised to treat the people fairly if they surrendered. But that's not what happened, and it proved they're impossible to reason with.
No one will be safe if they keep gaining ground.

Don't Believe Hitler

The Nazis say they won't stop until they have complete control, because all people are inferior to them.

It's not a matter of if they come, but when, and pretending that's not the case won't do anybody any good.

There's No Reasoning With Fascists

A bunch of other countries have tried to give the Nazis what they wanted, and things have only gotten worse. What makes you think the U.S. would be any different?

High Risk, High Reward

Sirius Black famously said, "What's life without a little risk?" As far as FDR could tell, all the choices America had were risky, but taking action was better than sitting around waiting for the Axis to come and attack.

We Need YOU...

... To work together and produce all the munitions and other war materials the Allies need. The government will protect the workers if the workers promise to give it their all, but the key is that everyone needs to rally.

Get To Building

Yeah, yeah—it's a lot of work to make all this stuff. But the increased production will come in handy after the war is over, when manufacturers will go back to producing normal goods, so it's not like it's all for naught.

Show Them What We're Made Of

FDR finishes his spiel, and everyone's all psyched and ready to roll.

So get started and show the rest of the world what patriotism and sacrifice looks like. (Insert team chant here.)