1. To emphasize the severity of the Great Depression:
- In his first inaugural address, Roosevelt famously stated: "First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." He then went on to list the widespread challenges facing the nation, such as unemployment, poverty, and declining industries. By enumerating these issues, Roosevelt created a sense of urgency and emphasized the need for immediate action.
2. To outline his New Deal policies:
- Roosevelt's enumeration was particularly evident when he presented his various New Deal programs and initiatives. He would often list specific measures aimed at addressing different aspects of the economic crisis. For example, in a fireside chat, he might enumerate steps such as establishing the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), creating the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and implementing Social Security. By presenting a clear and structured list of policies, Roosevelt helped the public understand the comprehensive nature of his administration's response.
3. To appeal to the emotions of the American people:
- Roosevelt had a gift for using enumeration to evoke emotions and connect with the audience. He often used simple, concrete language to create vivid imagery. For instance, in a speech about the plight of farmers during the Dust Bowl, he described the devastating impact of the drought by enumerating the hardships they faced: "The drought came. The winds swept away their substance. Their cattle died... Their farms were taken away from them." This enumeration made the struggles of the farmers tangible and created empathy among the listeners.
4. To build momentum and inspire action:
- Roosevelt also employed enumeration to build momentum and inspire the American people to take action. By listing a series of positive achievements or goals, he created a sense of progress and instilled confidence in his audience. For example, in a speech about economic recovery, he might enumerate a list of industries that had shown growth or initiatives that had successfully created jobs. This helped to generate optimism and motivate people to support the administration's efforts.
Overall, Roosevelt's effective use of enumeration allowed him to convey complex ideas clearly, emphasize important points, and emotionally engage his audience. This rhetorical device played a significant role in his ability to connect with the American people and successfully lead the nation through challenging times.