Question

Read the transcript of General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s speech “Order of the Day” from 1944. What is the purpose of the passage?

Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

A. to inform members of the armed forces of the dangers of entering the war
B. to persuade members of the armed forces to train harder for the war
C. to describe the victory that the members of the armed forces will have against the Nazis
D. to inspire the members of the armed forces in their fight against the Nazis

Answer 1

D. to inspire the members of the armed forces in their fight against the Nazis

Step-by-step explanation:

Dwight D. Eisenhower's speech was intended to inspire members of the military to fight with all their dedication to defeat the Nazi forces. Eisenhower gives an inspiring speech showing the dangers posed by the Nazi army and how the military has the potential to defeat this enemy and bring peace to the peoples oppressed by the Germans. Moreover Eisenhower, which states that the military is the only chance of victory, shows that the whole world expects them to win and they should not disappoint these people.

Answer 2

Correct answer:

D. to inspire the members of the armed forces in their fight against the Nazis

Historical Context:

The "Order of the Day" memo that you have quoted was General Eisenhower's statement to the armed forces who were about to participate in the D-Day landing in Europe in June, 1944.

As reported by the National Archives (where a copy of Eisenhower's document is posted):

• This order was issued by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower to encourage Allied soldiers taking part in the D-day invasion of June 6, 1944. Almost immediately after France fell to the Nazis in 1940, the Allies planned a cross-Channel assault on the German occupying forces, ultimately code-named Operation Overlord. ... His printed Order of the Day for June 6, 1944 ... was distributed to the 175,000-member expeditionary force on the eve of the invasion.