I've been reading some Roosevelt speeches of the pre-Pearl Harbor period and was surprised about how firm and severe were is words about the actions of Germany and nazi leaders.
I mean, I knew Roosevelt opinion, but I was surprised by the tone and words he used in his public adresses.
A also found he was quite "visionary" in his analysis of where would Germany's actions would lead Europe, he sounds like if he had a more accurate view on this subject than some French or British leaders. At some times he really sounds like if he was "psycologicaly" preparing American people to war.
I think he was really a great man, who never sacrificed his convictions, along with the foundations of USA's principles, and never hid his strong hostility towards nazi Germany, in order to be on line with USA neutrality at the beginning of WWII, which was very important for the morale of other contries.
And last but not least, even if his speeches had subjects of crucial importance, they always were smart, they had nuances, he was adressing to the people's reasoning abilities, very far from other leader's speeches at this time which often relied on the public's emotions, like fear, hatred or whatever (I won't even mention Hitler's barkings).
It is noticeable how he kept strong principles, without putting them into the public brain, which is a mark of respect for his people.
Here are 2 examples :
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=15557 : October 26th, 1938
http://www.millercenter.virginia.edu...0903_roosevelt : September 3, 1939
I would say that Roosevelt being President of the USA was really a golden asset for the allies.
Roosevelt's speeches
