Questions: What was Franklin Roosevelt's position on isolationism in his Four Freedoms speech?
Transcript text: What was Franklin Roosevelt's position on isolationism in his Four Freedoms speech?
Solution
Answer
The answer is: He wanted to end isolationism in the U.S.
Explanation
Option 1: He wanted to maintain isolationism in the U.S.
This option is incorrect. Franklin Roosevelt's Four Freedoms speech, delivered on January 6, 1941, was a call to move away from isolationism. He emphasized the importance of supporting allies and promoting democratic values worldwide, which is contrary to maintaining isolationism.
Option 2: He wanted to introduce isolationism to the U.S.
This option is incorrect. Isolationism was already a significant aspect of U.S. foreign policy before Roosevelt's presidency, particularly after World War I. Roosevelt's speech aimed to shift the U.S. away from this stance, not introduce it.
Option 3: He wanted to end isolationism in the U.S.
This option is correct. In his Four Freedoms speech, Roosevelt articulated a vision for a world founded on four essential human freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. He argued that these freedoms were under threat from totalitarian regimes and that the U.S. had a responsibility to support nations fighting for these freedoms, thus advocating for an end to isolationism.