The phrase "arsenal of democracy," coined by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940, refers to a country's ability to produce and supply the necessary materials for war. The IPA phonetic transcription of this phrase is /ˈɑrsənəl əv dɪˈmɑkrəsi/. It includes the schwa sound in both "arsenal" and "of," as well as the stress on the second syllable of "democracy." The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with the use of the letter "s" instead of "c" in "arsenal," and the letter "y" instead of "i" in "democracy."
Arsenal of Democracy is a phrase that originated during World War II with its earliest known mention made by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a radio broadcast on December 29, 1940. It refers to the concept of the United States as a significant military and economic power capable of supplying its allies with necessary resources and military equipment to support their defense efforts.
The term "arsenal" refers to a place where weapons and ammunition are manufactured, stored, and distributed, while "democracy" represents the political system of government by the people. Therefore, Arsenal of Democracy symbolizes the role of the United States as a supplier and supporter of democratic nations, providing them with the means to defend themselves against aggressors.
During World War II, this phrase became synonymous with the U.S. government's commitment to aiding its allies, primarily the United Kingdom and later the Soviet Union. It encompassed the immense industrial production capabilities in the U.S. that were redirected towards manufacturing weapons, ships, aircraft, and other essential military supplies necessary to support the war effort.
The Arsenal of Democracy concept represents the idea that, as a democratic nation, the United States has the responsibility and capability to protect and promote democratic values and support countries facing threats to their freedom and independence. The phrase continues to be used metaphorically to describe the United States playing a similar role in other conflicts or situations where it actively supports and champions democratic ideals.