The Declaration of Independence and Other Great Documents of American History 1775-1865

4.4/5 ( ratings)

The great documents in this important collection helped form the foundation of American democratic government. Compelling, influential, and often inspirational, they range from Patrick Henry's dramatic "Give me liberty or give me death" speech at the start of the American Revolution to Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, issued in the closing weeks of the Civil War. Also included are the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson's classic rationale for rejecting allegiance to the government of King George III; the Monroe Doctrine, the cornerstone of American foreign policy; and these other landmark statements:

The Constitution of the United States
James Madison: The Federalist, No. 10
George Washington: First Inaugural Address
George Washington: Farewell Address
Thomas Jefferson: First Inaugural Address
William Lloyd Garrison: Prospectus for The Liberator
Andrew Jackson: Veto of the Bank Bill
Abraham Lincoln: First Inaugural Address
Abraham Lincoln: Emancipation Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln: Gettysburg Address

An introductory note precedes the text of each document, providing fascinating background history and information about the author. An indispensable reference for students, this handy compendium will also serve as an invaluable introduction for general readers to American political writing.