LAD #34: The Truman Doctrine

 

Harold

In this address, Truman asks Congress to give US financial aid to Greece. Greece had previously reached out to the United States after being ravaged by war, and occupied and threatened by the presence of communists within their country. In the interest of containing the spread of communism, Truman seeks to comply with Greek wishes, to receive American ambassadors who will assist and aid the country in reconstructing postbellum. He also acknowledges that Turkey has requested US aid, and that aiding that country may be necessary in the future. Truman claims that the US foreign policy and their involvement in the UN create an obligation for the country to protect democracy and freedom across the world. As Greece and Turkey both want the US's help to remain democratic, he intends to help them given the opportunity.

LAD #34: FDR's Declaration of War



This was the speech given to the American people and the world population after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt informs the people of his nation that on December 7th, 1941, the day before the speech was given, an attack was made on the United States by Japan, despite the two countries formally being at peace. The attack was deliberately planned for weeks while the nation of Japan was involved in peace talks with the US. FDR mentions that Japan also led a surprise attack against many other nations and regions on the same day. He moves to mobilize the military to defend against further attacks, and assures that this form of treachery should never endanger American lives again. Finally, Roosevelt closes by asking Congress to formally declare war.

LAD #33: FDR's Inaugural Address



President Roosevelt begins this speech by reassuring Americans that, in his famous words, "there is nothing to fear but fear itself." Although economically, America had fallen on hard times, FDR did not want people to be afraid, make poor economic decisions, and only make the situation worse. Further in his speech, he talks about his plan to put people to work, creating jobs and stimulating the economy. This plan would be accomplished primarily through government recruitment, as then people could do good for the country while also working and earning income. FDR talks about redistributing land to benefit farmers and agriculture. He also calls for regulation of banks, who at the time were rampantly speculating with Americans' money, and actively decides to focus on a strong domestic economy before any foreign affairs. He claims that if he needs to bend the Constitution to benefit the American people, then he will not hesitate to do so.

LAD #32: Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact

 

Signing of the Kellogg-Briand Pact

The Kellogg-Briand Pact was a treaty signed at Paris on August 27, 1928, by 11 nations including the US, Great Britain, Germany, and Italy. Poland, Belgium, France, and Japan also all signed it within a year. This treaty renounced war as a way for nations to exercise foreign policy. It had several articles, the first of which required signatory nations to condemn war and acts of war, the second of which required resolution of conflicts to be sought with peaceful means. The third point required the signatory nations to enforce the first two articles, and allowed for individual interpretation based on the constitutions of each country.