Final answer:
Roosevelt addressed his audience in his inaugural address to inspire unity and confidence in the fight against the Great Depression, setting a determined and optimistic tone for his presidency with phrases like "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." His message and immediate return to work signaled his dedication to addressing serious national challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roosevelt began his speech by addressing his audience to create a connection and convey a spirit of community and mutual effort in the face of adversity. By directly engaging with his listeners, he sought to inspire confidence and demonstrate his commitment to finding solutions to the nation's pressing economic troubles. His inaugural address is a prime example of the power and importance of presidential rhetoric in shaping public perception and setting the stage for policy initiatives. Roosevelt's address is remembered not only for its content but for its immediate call to action, as he returned to the White House to begin his work without indulging in inaugural festivities—a testament to the serious challenges that lay ahead.
Roosevelt's Message of Optimism
Through his word choices and appeals to unity, President Franklin D. Roosevelt conveyed a message of optimism and resolve. He famously declared, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," emphasizing the need to face the economic depression with courage rather than succumbing to paralysis. Key phrases like this one and his pledge of a "new deal for the American people" illustrated his intention to enact significant changes and reflected his belief in America's ability to overcome its difficulties.