Imperialism: Analysis

Imperialism: Analysis

Symbols, Motifs, and Rhetorical Devices

Rhetoric

LogosWho wants to see someone like William Jennings Bryan arguing for peace and civility in the spirit of Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball"? No one, that's who.He couldn't have come into this speech car...

Structure

The Transitive Property of Empire We know, we know this was supposed to be about U.S. history. So, what are we doing throwing some math and logic concepts into this biz? Sit tight, there's a totall...

Tone

Selfless, Cold, and ComposedBryan's tone can be described in these three words. It's also the name of a Ben Folds Five song from the '90s, but it applies to the speech nicely. Who's going to listen...

What's Up With the Title?

We hate to be the ones to break this news to you, but Bryan's "Imperialism" speech is about…wait for it…imperialism. We doubt that surprised you very much. Here, let's fix that for you. What if...

What's Up With the Opening Lines?

I feel that I owe an apology or explanation to the people who are to listen for the fact that I must read what I am going to say. It would be more pleasant to me and more agreeable to you to speak...

What's Up With the Closing Lines?

Behold a republic increasing in population, in wealth, in strength and in influence, solving the problems of civilization and hastening the coming of an universal brotherhood — a republic which s...

Tough-o-Meter

(4) Base Camp Bryan wasn't called "the Boy Orator of the Platte" for nothing. His speeches were almost always easy to follow, written for a broad audience, and considered the best of his time. His...

Shout-Outs

In-Text ReferencesLiterary and Philosophical ReferencesThe Bill of Rights (53)The Constitution (53, 71, 76)The Declaration of Independence (26, 76, 83)The Gettysburg Address (25)Historical and Poli...

Trivia

For those of you that are of drinking age, next time you go to your favorite watering hole, go ahead and order a Cuba Libre. It means "Free Cuba," referencing the Cuban revolutionaries and American...