On January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the members of the 77th Congress with his “Four Freedoms Speech.” At this time, the United Kingdom and its Allies were heavily embroiled in World War II, while the United States remained neutral. However, Roosevelt understood that the fate of his nation was inextricably tied to the fight against totalitarianism in Europe. The president’s speech served as a call to arms, both literal and figurative, urging the American people and the rest of the democratic world to unite behind the common cause of freedom. In the face of unprecedented threats to American security, Roosevelt articulated a vision for a future where essential freedoms were safeguarded, injustice was confronted, and cooperation prevailed.

This guide refers to the online transcript of the speech freely available at Voices of Democracy: The U.S. Oratory Project. Citations refer to paragraph numbers.

Roosevelt’s speech begins by acknowledging the gravity of the situation the country finds itself in, asserting that American security has never been so seriously jeopardized by external forces. He critiques an isolationist stance to world affairs, comparing it to placing the US behind “an ancient Chinese wall” while the world advanced (5). Instead, he emphasizes the importance of committing to international engagement.

The president recalls a time when threats to American safety were rare. Before 1914, the US had engaged in wars and conflicts, yet its national safety and continued independence remained intact. He acknowledges the toll World War I took on the US and admits that the 1919 Treaty of Versailles failed to secure a long-lasting peace. However, he suggests World War II represents an “unprecedented” threat to American democracy. Roosevelt warns of the untrustworthy nature of “peace dictated by aggressors and appeasers” (10). He also challenges “loose talk of [the US’s] immunity” from invasion (23), asserting that secret agents of the Axis powers are sure to have infiltrated the American population.

The president introduces his vision of the “Four Freedoms.” He identifies freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear as fundamental human rights that should be upheld globally. The president envisions a world where economic understandings would secure peace for every nation and armament reduction would prevent physical aggression.

By articulating the Four Freedoms, Roosevelt envisions a just and equitable world order. Freedom of speech and expression is the bedrock of democratic societies, ensuring the unrestricted flow of ideas and opinions. Freedom of worship acknowledges the diversity of religious beliefs and underscores the importance of respecting and protecting individual faith. Freedom from want seeks to address the socioeconomic disparities that plague societies, advocating for economic systems that provide a decent standard of living for all. Lastly, freedom from fear aspires to a world where nations would no longer live in constant apprehension of armed conflict but instead embrace diplomacy and disarmament.

Underlining the situation’s urgency, Roosevelt calls for all-inclusive national defense and expresses unwavering support for nations resisting the aggression of totalitarian powers. He proposes that America act as “an arsenal,” manufacturing and providing war materials to the Allied nations engaged in active conflict. The repayment for this support could be in kind, through similar materials or other goods, further benefiting America’s defense. He urges Congress to prioritize the nation’s security, highlighting the need for increased armament production. To achieve this goal, the president emphasizes the need for increased taxation. Roosevelt also champions human rights and social justice, advocating for improved social and economic conditions, such as “old-age pensions,” “unemployment insurance,” and “adequate medical care” (76-77).

Roosevelt compares the “new order of tyranny” sought by totalitarian dictators with the morally principled values championed by the US (11). He encourages citizens to face adversity without fear, asserting that America’s destiny resides in the hands, heads, and hearts of its millions of free men and women. Roosevelt asserts that, guided by faith in democracy, the nation has the strength to confront schemes of world domination.

In his closing remarks, Roosevelt underscores the shared responsibility of Congress and the American people to work toward a world founded on the principles of the Four Freedoms. He emphasizes that the futures of America and the world depend on swift and resolute action, urging continued unity in the face of adversity.