1942.02.25 “Three High Purposes”
by Ralph Lee (1906-1947)
23 x 15 in., ink on board
Coppola Collection
Ralph Lee was an editorial cartoonist for the Portland Oregonian. He died suddenly, at 41, in January 1947. His cousin, Art Bimrose, was the editorial cartoonist for the Oregonian for more than three decades. In 1937, the Oregonian hired him part-time to work on printing plates. Following Lee’s death, Bimrose was hired as the Sunday editorial cartoonist.
In his Fireside Chat of February 23, 1942, entitled "On the Progress of the War" (sometimes referred to as the "Three High Purposes" speech), FDR outlined three high purposes for every American to aid in the war effort:
Do not stop work for a single day. If disputes arise, continue working while the issue is resolved through mediation, conciliation, or arbitration, until the war is won.
Do not demand special gains, privileges, or advantages for any single group or occupation.
Give up conveniences and modify daily routines cheerfully if the country asks you to, remembering the enemy's goal to destroy every home and freedom in the land.
This address was Roosevelt's first Fireside Chat since December 9, 1941, two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and his first address to the American people since his January 5th State of the Union address.
White House press secretary, Stephen Early, encouraged listeners to have a world map or globe on hand while listening, so they could better understand the geographic context of the war Roosevelt discussed. The speech's tone aimed to reinforce the portrayal of the United States as a victim of unprovoked aggression and appealed to patriotism rather than idealism. It was rhetorically powerful, following a well-established tradition of presidential speeches that assume extraordinary powers as Commander-in-Chief, minimize dissent, vilify enemies, and promote unity in the defense of the nation.
