Speeches throughout history that inspired action (part 3)

Want to motivate yourself as a public speaker? Read motivational speeches that inspired action.

This is part three of a five-part series showcasing speeches throughout history that changed the world.  

SPEECH: “A date which will live in infamy”

SPEECH DATE: Dec. 8, 1941

SPEAKER: Franklin D. Roosevelt

BIG IDEA: We are in danger. It is the will of the American people to go to war and defend ourselves against the Japanese who attacked us.

HOW IT INSPIRED ACTION THAT CHANGED THE WORLD: Roosevelt’s speech immediately united Americans, traumatized by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and led Congress to declare war on Japan; soon, the U.S. was drawn into World War II. Ultimately, after it was over in 1945, this global conflict produced a new international system to serve global interests. This system includes shared institutions and partnerships such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization, and the International Military Tribunal, among others.

EXCERPT:

“I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

“Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

“With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God.”