The Four Freedoms Speech, delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, articulates four fundamental freedoms that people everywhere in the world ought to enjoy. These freedoms include:
Freedom of Speech: The right of everyone to express their opinions freely.
Freedom of Worship: The right to worship God in one's own way, without fear of persecution.
Freedom from Want: The right to an adequate standard of living, which includes food, clothing, and shelter.
Freedom from Fear: The right to live in a world where no nation will be able to use its strength to conquer its neighbors.
Roosevelt emphasized the need to promote these freedoms globally as a way to ensure peace and security.
The Four Freedoms Speech, delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, emphasizes the universal nature of human rights and the responsibility of countries to uphold and protect these rights. Roosevelt advocates for a global commitment to establishing a world where basic human rights are respected, highlighting that promoting these values is crucial for achieving lasting peace and justice. He envisions a future that is rooted in the protection of individual freedoms, which is essential for fostering stability and harmony among nations.
Foreign Policy Approach: The Four Freedoms Speech aimed to shift the United States' foreign policy from isolationism to a more proactive stance in global affairs. Roosevelt argued for the necessity of international collaboration and intervention to safeguard human rights and promote democratic values worldwide. This marked a significant departure from a policy of non-involvement, suggesting that the U.S. should engage in global governance to support freedom and security across nations.