This is sometimes misquoted as a “day” that would live in infamy, but there is a very clear distinction between those two words. During his speech, Roosevelt called Decema “date which will live in infamy.”

The speech starts with a very calculated choice of words that’s so subtle that it’s easy to miss. “Date”ĭecembecame a date which would live in infamy. Let’s have a look at a few of its distinctive features. Breaking Down Roosevelt’s Day of Infamy SpeechĮver since it was delivered, scholars of Pearl Harbor history have been examining the speech from every angle to explain its profound impact. But is it really a surprise that a speech intended to reach that outcome succeeded so well, especially since the attack was still so fresh the nation’s consciousness? Clearly, Roosevelt’s words were carefully chosen to guarantee the declaration of war, even though it was likely that Congress would have voted in favor of it anyway.

The speech was so effective that Roosevelt was able to secure a near-unanimous vote to go to war with Japan. His address, known as the “Day of Infamy” speech, was brilliant and passionate, and would go down as one of the most important speeches ever made by an American president. Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of the United States Congress to discuss the events that unfolded at Pearl Harbor the previous day. On Monday, December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. President Roosevelt Delivers the Day of Infamy Speech to Congress

What is the day of infamy