President George W. Bush's 9/11 address to the nation exhibited a tone of resilience and determination, promising justice while declaring war on terrorism, which is encapsulated in the Bush Doctrine.
Tone of President George W. Bush's 9/11 Address
President George W. Bush's speech following the 9/11 attacks carried a tone of resilience and determination. Addressing the nation from Ground Zero, he spoke of the anguish and frustration felt by Americans, while also issuing a firm promise of justice and a declaration of war on terrorism.
The tone was meant to rally the nation, serving as both a balm to a wounded country and a stern warning to those responsible for the atrocities. On September 20, Bush continued this tone in his address to Congress, wherein he articulated what would become known as the Bush Doctrine, asserting the U.S. right to protect itself preemptively.
Presidents use their speeches to perform a variety of functions, from celebrating, expressing national emotion, to the announcement of major policies, and Bush's 9/11 addresses encompassed many of these.