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50 Core American Documents: Required Reading for Students, Teachers, and Citizens
The Ashbrook Center’s 50 Core American Documents is meant to introduce readers to America’s story as it has unfolded from the American Founding into the Twentieth Century. Many of the documents emphasize America’s uniqueness and contributions to the world, but they also present different views on some of the major issues and disputes in American history and government, especially on the meaning of liberty, the injustice of slavery, and the demands of progress. Taken as such, the documents reveal a kind of political dialogue to readers, an ongoing and profoundly consequential conversation about how Americans have agreed and often disagreed on the meaning of freedom and self-government. 50 Core American Documents invites teachers and citizens alike to join in this American political dialogue.
The Ashbrook Center restores and strengthens the capacities of the American people for constitutional self-government. The Center teaches students and teachers across our country why America is exceptional and what America represents in the long history of the world. Ashbrook is the nation’s largest university-based educator in the enduring principles and practice of free government in the United States, offering programs and resources for students, teachers, and citizens.
The Ashbrook Center restores and strengthens the capacities of the American people for constitutional self-government. The Center teaches students and teachers across our country why America is exceptional and what America represents in the long history of the world. Ashbrook is the nation’s largest university-based educator in the enduring principles and practice of free government in the United States, offering programs and resources for students, teachers, and citizens.
601 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 14, 2020
An astonishingly rich resource
Even though the cost was negligible, I was hesitant at first to download this book. With so much information at our disposal, and so many pressing matters demanding attention, whose got time to read this? And, I thought smugly, I had a first rate formal education and a lifetime of experience, so undoubtedly— to my shame I admit it— I trusted that I already knew what mattered.
Just opening the book and rereading Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence reminded me of the joy of being instructed by a genius. And reading the closing chapters, juxtaposing LBJ’s speech on “the Great Society,” which I who,e-heartedly endorsed, with RR’s speech at the 1964 Republican Convention, not only clarified the course of change in my life, but strengthened my resolve to give my all to promoting freedom in today’s challenging time.
Even though the cost was negligible, I was hesitant at first to download this book. With so much information at our disposal, and so many pressing matters demanding attention, whose got time to read this? And, I thought smugly, I had a first rate formal education and a lifetime of experience, so undoubtedly— to my shame I admit it— I trusted that I already knew what mattered.
Just opening the book and rereading Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence reminded me of the joy of being instructed by a genius. And reading the closing chapters, juxtaposing LBJ’s speech on “the Great Society,” which I who,e-heartedly endorsed, with RR’s speech at the 1964 Republican Convention, not only clarified the course of change in my life, but strengthened my resolve to give my all to promoting freedom in today’s challenging time.
November 24, 2021
Interesting history of speeches
A excellent review of historical speeches in history. Many of them are the complete speech that we are familiar with a phrase out of “I have a dream “ - M. L. King
A excellent review of historical speeches in history. Many of them are the complete speech that we are familiar with a phrase out of “I have a dream “ - M. L. King
January 19, 2020
This is what I wished I had access to when I started learning American history. The story of these documents, which take the reader from 1776 to 1964- highlight the importance of the original to the interpreted idea. Reading what the writer and thinker said originally takes to that moment in time when the writer(s) we’re moved to put pen to paper. From Jefferson’s Declaration to Lincoln’s Second Inaugural to MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech - the documents contained in this volume represent the very best of the American idea and ideal. To know America is to read these documents which together are the fabric of our political culture and heritage. To not know these documents is to sit in wanton ignorance of our history and heroes of our nation. This book - produced by the Ashbrook Center of Ashland University should be required reading for all high school and college students - and even as an everlasting resource for adults and families across the nation.
May 30, 2021
Of course I can't give this anything other than 5 stars... I'm glad I read some of the original documents that I'd otherwise just heard about, though I must admit that some of those included were long and very tedious letters that I skimmed or skipped (reading just the intro summary). But seeing what great historical figures were thinking at the time is a terrific insight. If I had read the entirety of the Gettysberg address before, or the I Had a Dream speech, I didn't recall it -- only the soundbites that are usually publicized.
March 18, 2023
Review the Past - Clarifies the Present
These 50 core documents are not a quick read. These are documents which deserve the time and reflection to review without bias to today's knowledge and understanding. Imperfect men striving to create and preserve a self-governing nation with the belief that people are capable of self-governing, and governments serve the people, rather than the people serving governments.
A yearly must read. These documents should be well understood and a topic of discussion when discussing politics.
These 50 core documents are not a quick read. These are documents which deserve the time and reflection to review without bias to today's knowledge and understanding. Imperfect men striving to create and preserve a self-governing nation with the belief that people are capable of self-governing, and governments serve the people, rather than the people serving governments.
A yearly must read. These documents should be well understood and a topic of discussion when discussing politics.
December 5, 2019
A Must Read and Must Own
I liked this so much as a reference that I bought a hard copy in addition to the Kindle version. The 50 documents in the book cover the philosophies and history of the United States from the Declaration of Independence through the MLK "I have a dream" speech and 48 other key documents and speeches in US history. If this is an area of interest, you need this in your library.
I liked this so much as a reference that I bought a hard copy in addition to the Kindle version. The 50 documents in the book cover the philosophies and history of the United States from the Declaration of Independence through the MLK "I have a dream" speech and 48 other key documents and speeches in US history. If this is an area of interest, you need this in your library.
January 1, 2022
This book is kind of "dry" to read, but several of the documents are enlightenjng.
The one that I would encourage everyone to read is the one from Ronald Reagan in 1964 when he switched parties.
What he said then could have been written in the last couple of years....
As far as I can remember, most of these docs were not in any of my classes. So I would encourage folks to read, if not this book. something slong this line for document backgrounds so you know where they were coming from.
The one that I would encourage everyone to read is the one from Ronald Reagan in 1964 when he switched parties.
What he said then could have been written in the last couple of years....
As far as I can remember, most of these docs were not in any of my classes. So I would encourage folks to read, if not this book. something slong this line for document backgrounds so you know where they were coming from.
November 6, 2017
Quite fascinating and very inciteful
I have to agree that these documents should be read by all Americans and paticularly every congressman. They remind us how we got to where we are and what the job of Congress is.
I have to agree that these documents should be read by all Americans and paticularly every congressman. They remind us how we got to where we are and what the job of Congress is.
September 6, 2017
Agreed, a must read
With all the turmoil in American government it would be a great idea for every citizen yo read this book and understand where and how are country has evolved from
With all the turmoil in American government it would be a great idea for every citizen yo read this book and understand where and how are country has evolved from
May 28, 2021
With our democracy in turmoil, I felt the necessity to reread these documents. I'm glad that I did because some of them, maybe even many, were skimmed in history classes when I was a teenager. Understanding them is more important than ever in the current political climate.
June 8, 2021
A great read for American citizens and people working on becoming citizens. These documents show both the good and bad parts of our history, but they all show how this country became great despite some of our faults.
September 14, 2017
This was a great collection of documents. I admit I was slow in working through it. However, I really enjoyed it. It is eye opening to read some of this stuff unedited. I highly recommend this.
November 18, 2018
Excellent
Excellent reading. Should be required of every American, preferably at the voting age.
Seven more words are required of me.
Excellent reading. Should be required of every American, preferably at the voting age.
Seven more words are required of me.
March 11, 2019
History in documents
Liked the variety of voices in book. Would have liked to see more eras covered.
Nothing from the 1950’s nor was Kennedy’s moon by end of decade nor ask not...
Liked the variety of voices in book. Would have liked to see more eras covered.
Nothing from the 1950’s nor was Kennedy’s moon by end of decade nor ask not...
January 3, 2020
Perfect for a historical refresher
Easy to follow and read. I enjoyed it very much. Will probably read again. Great way to start the year
Easy to follow and read. I enjoyed it very much. Will probably read again. Great way to start the year
December 31, 2020
Amazing history
This is history written by those who made it. It is such a great idea to teach history this way.
This is history written by those who made it. It is such a great idea to teach history this way.
March 5, 2021
Lots of documents I've never heard of but read the ones I was looking for. Good book for basic info.
July 10, 2021
essential reading
In society today we have people trying hard to rewrite history as the want to believe it. it's nice to have so many writings assembled like this.
In society today we have people trying hard to rewrite history as the want to believe it. it's nice to have so many writings assembled like this.
August 3, 2021
Great
Usually not a huge fan of non-fiction but I got this book to help some of my students in their history and government classes in high school and we all liked it.
Usually not a huge fan of non-fiction but I got this book to help some of my students in their history and government classes in high school and we all liked it.
October 27, 2022
I enjoyed reading it!
I enjoyed reading the book, seeing the progression of thinking in the American political realm and the re thinking of what America is!
I enjoyed reading the book, seeing the progression of thinking in the American political realm and the re thinking of what America is!
July 27, 2023
excellent resource
Found on a free site, this is an excellent reference book. Its too much to read cover to cover, so needs to be revisited.. I'm happy to add it to my collection.
Found on a free site, this is an excellent reference book. Its too much to read cover to cover, so needs to be revisited.. I'm happy to add it to my collection.
August 10, 2024
The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun. This can be seen in these writings. The same issues dealt with from the beginning of our country are still being asked today.
July 17, 2016
A valuable collection of primary sources for anyone who wishes to truly understand the evolution of American history and government. The core documents upon which the American republic is founded include the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and Bill of Rights provide readers with the framework. Of course there were differing views aptly displayed in the Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Notes on the Debates held in the Federal Convention of 1787 as well as samples from the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers. Opinion letters from statesmen like Andrew Jackson, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson present private viewpoints.
Landmark cases heard in the Supreme Court give insight as to the evolution of government as seen from the highest court in the land. Marbury vs. Madison, Dred Scott vs. Sandford, Plessy vs. Ferguson and Brown vs. The Board of Education are among them. Foreign policy touchstones like the Monroe Doctrine, New Nationalism Speech and A Time for Choosing demonstrate debates over foreign policy.
Human rights are discussed by Frederick Douglas and John C. Calhoun, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Lyndon Johnson. Milestone documents include the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address and the “I Have a Dream” speech.
While by no means exhaustive, this well organized collection of historic documents that are keystones of American history are a valuable reference resource for students of history, teachers and librarians. Appropriate for ages ten and older. Put this one on your reference shelf or homeschooling curriculum.
Landmark cases heard in the Supreme Court give insight as to the evolution of government as seen from the highest court in the land. Marbury vs. Madison, Dred Scott vs. Sandford, Plessy vs. Ferguson and Brown vs. The Board of Education are among them. Foreign policy touchstones like the Monroe Doctrine, New Nationalism Speech and A Time for Choosing demonstrate debates over foreign policy.
Human rights are discussed by Frederick Douglas and John C. Calhoun, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Lyndon Johnson. Milestone documents include the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address and the “I Have a Dream” speech.
While by no means exhaustive, this well organized collection of historic documents that are keystones of American history are a valuable reference resource for students of history, teachers and librarians. Appropriate for ages ten and older. Put this one on your reference shelf or homeschooling curriculum.
June 4, 2015
A Unique Perspective on American History
It's strange to say that a collection of primary source documents can change the way you look at American History, but this book does exactly that. The content and contrast of the documents it chooses cover the main periods of American history in amazing depth while also allowing the reader to see both sides of almost every argument. (The average American History overview doesn't let you read the thoughts of an anti-federalist or a slavery apologist). This free book will make you think and give you terrific insight into the history of our nation. I only give 5 stars to books that change my life in some way, and this book deserves that description.
It's strange to say that a collection of primary source documents can change the way you look at American History, but this book does exactly that. The content and contrast of the documents it chooses cover the main periods of American history in amazing depth while also allowing the reader to see both sides of almost every argument. (The average American History overview doesn't let you read the thoughts of an anti-federalist or a slavery apologist). This free book will make you think and give you terrific insight into the history of our nation. I only give 5 stars to books that change my life in some way, and this book deserves that description.
December 28, 2014
A History Teacher resource
I'm not one for reading the types of books however I believe it is a great resource for American history professors and teachers at the high school level . It explains more then the textbook I think the website the book talks about is extremely helpful for teachers. I give it for an half stars. some parts of the book seem boring , but it is an easy read .
I'm not one for reading the types of books however I believe it is a great resource for American history professors and teachers at the high school level . It explains more then the textbook I think the website the book talks about is extremely helpful for teachers. I give it for an half stars. some parts of the book seem boring , but it is an easy read .
May 15, 2017
Good set of documents that show changes in our country through it's development and how we are ruled. Good set of reading for those who should be reading these. Using them for education with my children.
Read
March 2, 2015Good read for those studying for the Foreign Service Exam
June 28, 2015
A great book of America's founding documents, this required reading for students is also fun for history buffs. An awesome read.
December 4, 2015
A very long read but so very worth it. But I'm going on a diet of graphic novels for a while... whew!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews