A Nation Too Proud to Fight_ An Analysis of Woodrow Wilsons Too
Yoshida 2
Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………...3
Significance of “Too Proud to Fight”………………………………………………………………………4
Historical Background………………………………………………………………………………………….6
The Speech and Rhetorical Methods Used…………………………...……………………………...…9
The Lusitania and Immigration Policy………………………………………………………………....19
Neutrality and Democracy……………………………………………………………………………….....25
The Significance of the Rhetorical Presidency…………………………………………………...…27
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………30
Works Cited……………………………………………………………………………………………………….32
Yoshida 3
Introduction to “Too Proud to Fight”
“There is such a thing as a man being too proud to fight” (“Citizens of Foreign
Birth” 89)1, these words resonated throughout America in the speech given by Woodrow
Wilson May 11, 1915 at the Philadelphia Convention Hall. Woodrow Wilson may not be the most commonly recognized of all the presidents, but his presidency was the model of the future presidents to come. His presidency was an uncertain time for the American people; they were isolated from the rest of the world, and thousands of miles of away from the pressing issues of blood being shed in Europe. To this day, Woodrow Wilson still stands as an ever-shining beacon that avoided war at all costs, and defended
American neutrality until he was left with no choice.
Woodrow Wilson’s speech “Too Proud to Fight” was delivered in the
Philadelphia Convention Hall in honor of 4,000 newly naturalized American citizens.
Nearly 15,000 people had gathered around the hall to hear the president speak on that balmy May Day. This speech redefined the American ideal by encouraging immigrants to take on the American dream, and to become a people who strive for liberty and justice.
This speech was also just days after the sinking of the USS Lusitania, and although he did not directly address the attack, “The audience did not hesitate to read the application of the statement” (APR
Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………...3
Significance of “Too Proud to Fight”………………………………………………………………………4
Historical Background………………………………………………………………………………………….6
The Speech and Rhetorical Methods Used…………………………...……………………………...…9
The Lusitania and Immigration Policy………………………………………………………………....19
Neutrality and Democracy……………………………………………………………………………….....25
The Significance of the Rhetorical Presidency…………………………………………………...…27
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………30
Works Cited……………………………………………………………………………………………………….32
Yoshida 3
Introduction to “Too Proud to Fight”
“There is such a thing as a man being too proud to fight” (“Citizens of Foreign
Birth” 89)1, these words resonated throughout America in the speech given by Woodrow
Wilson May 11, 1915 at the Philadelphia Convention Hall. Woodrow Wilson may not be the most commonly recognized of all the presidents, but his presidency was the model of the future presidents to come. His presidency was an uncertain time for the American people; they were isolated from the rest of the world, and thousands of miles of away from the pressing issues of blood being shed in Europe. To this day, Woodrow Wilson still stands as an ever-shining beacon that avoided war at all costs, and defended
American neutrality until he was left with no choice.
Woodrow Wilson’s speech “Too Proud to Fight” was delivered in the
Philadelphia Convention Hall in honor of 4,000 newly naturalized American citizens.
Nearly 15,000 people had gathered around the hall to hear the president speak on that balmy May Day. This speech redefined the American ideal by encouraging immigrants to take on the American dream, and to become a people who strive for liberty and justice.
This speech was also just days after the sinking of the USS Lusitania, and although he did not directly address the attack, “The audience did not hesitate to read the application of the statement” (APR
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