President Truman's Acceptance Speech
1948 Democratic Convention
July 15th, 1948

Listen to the speech | Read text of speech

A. As you listen to the radio announcer:

1) Describe the convention hall surroundings:

2) Why does the announcer give the listeners this much detail?

B. As you listen to President Truman's speech, answer the following:

1. To what audiences do you think President Truman is directing his message?

2. Truman states what major difference exists between the Democrats and Republicans

3. Under Democrat presidents these past 16 years, Truman states these groups have benefited how?

Farmers ____________________________
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City workers ____________________________

4. True or False: Truman labels the 80th Congress as being the worst in US history.

5. In our foreign relations with other nations, Truman believes that our nation must do what?

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6. Truman attacks the Republican Party as the party for whom? ______________________

7. President Truman attacks Congress in what ways?

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8. Truman refers to the Republican 1948 platform as "____________________" What does this mean?

9. Truman ends his speech by forcing Congress to do what?

10. He wants Congress to tackle what major concerns?

11. Truman associates the Republican Party with what recent American crisis?

Student Activities:

1) Evaluate his speech and state your reasons: Was it interesting? Convincing? To the Point? Did he project a good delivery style? Is it easy to understand his major points? Circle one: (high) 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 (low)

Explain your reasoning____________________________________________________________________
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2) Your opinion. Could a presidential candidate give such a hard-hitting, aggressive speech today? Why (not)?
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3) You are a Republican who is opposed to the charges made by President Truman toward your party. Create a short two-minute reply to his speech, which will be delivered over the radio the following evening.