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Analysis of President George W. Bushes first address to the nation after 9/11
At 8:30 p.m. on September 11th 2001 President George W Bush gave his first address to
the nation from the Oval Office of the White House. It was mere hours after the attacks on the
World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A great deal was at stake. The United States was in
disarray, as most people were overtaken by their various emotions. In his speech President Bush
addresses the American people, and the whole world, as leaders from our allies and even our
enemies, were tuned in. The address that President Bush gave was significant because while this
may not be the most well known speech President Bush presented about 9/11; it paved the way
for how America handled the crisis both abroad and at home.
September 11th 2001 will forever be marked as one of the most traumatic days in
American history. On that day the United States was a nation under attack (Infield) as both
towers of the World Trade Center along with the Pentagon were struck in a terrorist assault. It
was the deadliest attack to have ever taken place on American soil. In the aftermath of the attacks
on 9/11 Americans were left in shock and fear. Tom Infield wrote, College students at Notre
Dame were advised to stay in their dorms. Disneyland was closed, this quote perfectly explains
the fear surrounding the American people during this crisis. However people were not just afraid
they were also angry. Many people wanted retribution and revenge against the people who had
attacked our country. They wanted military intervention or some other type of physical
vengeance. This anger and fear could have been a dangerous combination if not handled
correctly by the President.
This address was prompted by several exigencies both rhetorical and non-rhetorical. The
main exigence in this situation was non-rhetorical, that is the attacks themselves. However there