American History Through Its Greatest Speeches 3 Volumes

What did America's greatest orators say regarding significant issues and concerns throughout United States history? This three-volume set examines hundreds of the most historically significant speeches from colonial times to the modern era, allowing readers to consider exactly what the speakers said—and to better understand the motivations behind each speech as well as the effect on the audiences that heard them. This essential reference work presents the most important and historically significant speeches delivered since colonial times, providing in essence a documentary history of the United States through these public utterances. Readers can witness American history unfold firsthand through these stirring and at times controversial speeches—from Patrick Henry's fiery words calling for an American revolution, through the words of the 19th-century abolitionists and Lincoln's immortal Gettysburg Address, and up through the 20th century with President Wilson's famous "Fourteen Points," FDR reminding Americans that the only thing they had to fear was fear itself, and George W. Bush responding to the attacks of September 11. For students, teachers, librarians, and general readers, this indispensable work provides essential reference resources on the speeches of great significance in American history. Each speech is prefaced by a contextual headnote that provides essential background information and specific details about the speech. This three-volume set also includes a timeline, a historical review of each era, biographical sketches of each speaker, and anecdotal sidebars containing additional information about the speech or speakers.

Reproduced in this book are key speeches from a number of American historical and political figures. Each speech is accompanied by a biography of the speaker and the story of why it was significant, and will both inspire and provide a greater understanding of these crucial moments in US history.

This book contains 50 momentous and thought-provoking speeches from a wide range of historical eras and perspectives.

"While designed for classroom use, this collection will also be an invaluable tool for anyone preparing or performing a public speech. Approximately 20 of the world's most influential and stirring public orations include the Gettysburg Address, Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream," and Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death." "--

The great speeches reported in the style of today's newspapers with descriptions of the circumstances, surroundings and significance of each when it was delivered and the sequels and repercussions which made history from 1645 to 1960.

This title collects over 40 of the most powerful and stirring addresses delivered in the English language.