The basic outline of the history concerned is well known to everyone: the question of independence itself, the debate over the form of government best suited to the fledgling republic, the substance of America's role in the realm of world politics, and the issues concerning democracy, justice, and equality here at home. The sources, however,such as those included in this volume, are less well known, and revisiting them from time to time is especially useful in revealing a spectrum of thought and opinion more complex and wide ranging than is often remembered.
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 historic 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.
Patrick Henry: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,
March 23, 1775
Declaration of Independence,
July 4, 1776
The Constitution of the United States,
September 17, 1787
James Madison: The Federalist, Number 10,
November 23, 1787
George Washington: First Inaugural Address,
April 30, 1789
George Washington: Farewell Address,
September 19, 1796
Thomas Jefferson: First Inaugural Address,
March 4, 1801
James Monroe: The Monroe Doctrine,
December 2, 1823
William Lloyd Garrison: The Liberator,
January 1, 1831
Andrew Jackson: Veto of the Bank Bill,
July 10, 1832
Abraham Lincoln: First Inaugural Address,
March 4, 1861
Abraham Lincoln: The Emancipation Proclamation,
January 1, 1863
Abraham Lincoln: The Gettysburg Address,
November 19, 1863
Abraham Lincoln: Second Inaugural Address,
March 4, 1865