FDR’s December 29, 1940 Fireside Chat: On the “Arsenal of Democracy”
Published: September 14, 2026In this Fireside Chat, President Franklin D. Roosevelt discusses the growing threat of World War II and the need to support countries that are fighting Nazi Germany. He argues that the United States should use its factories and businesses to produce the weapons and supplies. Roosevelt calls the United States the “arsenal of democracy,” highlighting the connection between America’s economy and its role in defending democratic nations.
VOCabulary
ALlies
Countries that agree to support one another, especially during a war.
In this case, “Allies” of the United States primarily meant Britain and France, which were fighting against Nazi Germany. FDR gave this speech in 1940, before the United States officially entered World War II. Still, FDR wanted to provide as much help as possible to the United States’ allies.
Arsenal
A place where weapons, ammunition, or other military supplies are made or stored.
A phrase FDR used to describe the United States. In this context, he’s calling the U.S. a major producer of weapons and supplies, which he argues should be used to support countries fighting to defend democracy.
Armaments
Weapons and military equipment used by a country’s armed forces.
In this speech, FDR uses the term to describe the weapons and supplies the United States could produce to help countries fighting against the Axis powers (Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan).
Totalitarian
Describing a government that seeks to control nearly every part of public and private life.
There were many totalitarian governments in 1940; the term describes a government that seeks to control nearly every part of people’s lives and does not allow meaningful opposition. FDR uses the term when discussing the threat posed by governments such as Nazi Germany.
Audio Link and Transcript Courtesy of The Miller Center
Picture Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum