World War II Causes

Have you ever stood up for someone who could not defend themselves? Have you ever stood up for someone being mistreated or joined a group or organization to take up a cause?

On January 6, 1941, United States President Franklin Roosevelt delivered a State of the Union Address to the 77th United States Congress. In his speech, he identified four essential human rights (Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom From Want, and Freedom From Fear). He felt that these four basic rights should be protected and that they should motivate Americans to fight in World War II.

Norman Rockwell, a famous American artist, painted Four Freedoms in 1943. These four oil paintings were inspired by President Roosevelt's 1941 State of the Union Address. Visit the National Archives website to view these paintings.

After looking at these paintings, can you think of other freedoms that might have been worthy of a "fight?" Following World War I, what do you think would have been important to people all over the world? What would your freedom picture have on it?