Summary: In his 1941 State of the Union address, President Franklin D. Roosevelt outlined the "Four Freedoms." To represent these ideals, Norman Rockwell created paintings which became highly successful promotional posters for World War II war bonds. In this lesson, students will identify Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms"; consider the relevance of these ideals in today’s society; assess the artistic interpretation of each freedom by Norman Rockwell; and explain the connection between Rockwell’s painting and the War Bond drive of 1943.
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
NJ Student Learning Standards:
- 6.1.12.CivicsHR.11.a: Assess the responses of the United States and other nations to the violation of human rights that occurred during the Holocaust and other genocides.
Link to Lesson: Rockwell, Roosevelt and the Four Freedoms | C-SPAN