A rhetorical re‐examination of Arthur Vandenberg's “dramatic conversion”, January 10, 1945∗

Senator Arthur Vandenberg's famous speech on international affairs delivered in the United States Senate on January 10, 1945, has typically been described as a public announcement of Vandenberg's dramatic conversion from isolationism, to internationalism. An examination of the rhetorical situation, focusing on human perception, intention and expectancy reveals that such an announcement was not Vandenberg's primary purpose. Regardless of Vandenberg's intention, however, the impact of the speech had profound consequences for American foreign policy.

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Notes

Senator Arthur Vandenberg's famous speech on international affairs delivered in the United States Senate on January 10, 1945, has typically been described as a public announcement of Vandenberg's dramatic conversion from isolationism, to internationalism. An examination of the rhetorical situation, focusing on human perception, intention and expectancy reveals that such an announcement was not Vandenberg's primary purpose. Regardless of Vandenberg's intention, however, the impact of the speech had profound consequences for American foreign policy.