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

by John Grafton (Editor)

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's The Federalist, No. 10; George Washington's First Inaugural Address and Farewell Address; Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address; William Lloyd Garrison's Prospectus for The Liberator; Andrew Jackson's Veto of the Bank Bill; and Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, Emancipation Proclamation, and 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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Classics, Reference, American History, Philosophy

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2000

Reviews

[Red🏳️‍⚧️]

Friends who've caught me reading this have cocked their heads to the side and posed "Why?" or just declared "That's strange." So, to explain: reason 1, Dover Thrift editions of books are a great way to pad out those last few dollars to make an Amazon order have free shipping. Reason 2, the reason I chose this one and not Enchiridion or Candide (tho I'll get there), is that the only time I read these formative American documents was when I was younger and didn't know entirely what to do with them. These were written by adults for adults, after all, and it would probably be useful for me to revisit them. Or at least interesting.

You should definitely re-read the Declaration, it kinda changed the world and was one of the great examples of people setting out on a quest to create a government for themselves rather than have one imposed on them.

Read the Constitution - specifically Art. I, Secs. 8-10, plus the amendments. The former bit lays out Congressional powers, and for perspective there's very little talk of Executive powers elsewhere here because that wasn't a thing until way later on. The latter because the editor, Mr. Grafton, has kindly laid out the dates each amendment was added, giving the reader a rather bracing launch into the future to see what modifications happened when and how they differ in tone and intent from the original work.

Read Jackson's veto of the Bank Bill, and feel weird post-2008 crash feels.

The rest is a mixed, if important, bag. Not that the selection was poor, but the meaning is so inextricably wound up in their time period it's hard to find parallels with it sitting in 2015. With the Declaration, you see outlined how far America had to be pushed before it snapped. With the Constitution, you get the body of law we are still wrangling with to this day. But Washington's farewell address is about...sectionalism, a now outmoded flavor of the idea of regional interests over national ones, that ultimately led to the Civil War. And while the divide of states versus their nation is still alive and well, it isn't in the way he talks about it, which is done via a ponderous, rambly, uptight writing style that bores to the point of inducing feelings of homicide.

Lincoln's first inaugural address is basically "Hey, let's not Civil War why don't we?" The Monroe Doctrine is "America does her own thing, yo." Jefferson is "Wheeeeee I'm finally president but uhh don't worry we're all in this together, America the beautiful, woot woot." There's just not enough meat to chew on, which isn't to say that there's none. Washington's belief that a nation must be "moral," and that that morality must come from religion, is a fascinating facet to his character, especially since he's the founding father remembered more for his military victories and his icon status than what it is he actually felt and wanted politically. Madison's piece for the Federalist seems to suggest that factional party politics and infighting is a necessary and inevitable path to consensus, that rights itself given time and communication. And Lincoln's use of the expression "the last full measure" still saddens and haunts.

Some of the best bits are from Mr. Grafton, who prefaces each bit with a briefer on historical context, a lubricant to ease the expanse of years separating us from these words. Did you know the original Declaration had an indictment of slavery that was ultimately removed? Or that William Lloyd Garrison, who was basically one of America's first great social justice warriors (he called slave ship owners "murderers"! That was huuuuuge back then!), not only railed tirelessly on behalf of the anti-slavery movement, but also for women's rights, the humane treatment of animals, and temperance? I want an American history book just full of all these important little tidbits that had to be skimmed over in public school.

Neat book, and un-rate-able because I'm not gonna fucking rate America, if you actually think you'll read it then it makes a nice little addition to your Amazon cart and your life. But you can also get all of it for free on the internet, it's just that you're less likely to read it than if you have a copy lying around on your shelf.

[Yitzchok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite excerpts:

Patrick Henry: Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty G-d! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! – Page 4

The Declaration: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government… – Pages 6-7

The Constitution: The major stumbling block to cooperation between small states who wanted equal legislative representation among all the states, and large states who felt their great numbers entitled them to a larger share of the vote, was overcome by the historic compromise that divided the legislative function between two houses: a Senate in which all states had equal representation, and the House of Representatives to which membership would be apportioned relative to each state’s population. – Pages 10-11

Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. – Page 25

16th Amendment 1913: The congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration. – Page 29

18th Amendment 1919: After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited. – Page 30

21st Amendment 1933: The eighteenth article of Amendment to the Constitution of the Unites States is hereby repealed. – Page 31

The Federalist #10: The apportionment of taxes on the various descriptions of property is an act which seems to require the most exact impartiality; yet there is, perhaps, no legislative act in which greater opportunity and temptation are given to a predominant party to trample on the rule of justice. Every shilling with which they overburden the inferior number, is a shilling saved to their own pockets. – Page 38

First President April 05, 1789: The following day the electoral votes for president were counted. There were no candidates for the office other than George Washington, and no other name received a single vote; at the same time, John Adams was designated the first vice president. – Page 43

Washington’s First Inaugural Address: No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency. – Page 44

Washington’s Farewell Address: And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure – reason & experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. – Page 56

Washington’s Farewell Address: I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. – Pages 58-59

Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address: Fellow-citizens – a wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities. – Page 63

Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address 3/4/1861: I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so. Those who nominated and elected me did so with full knowledge that I had made this, and many similar declarations, and have never recanted them. – Page 81

Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address: One section of our country believes slavery is right, and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is wrong, and ought not to be extended. This is the only substantial dispute. The fugitive slave clause of the Constitution, and the law for the suppression of the foreign slave trade, are each as well enforced, perhaps as any law can ever be in a community where the moral sense of the people imperfectly supports the law itself. The great body of the people abide by the dry legal obligation in both cases, and a few break over in each. This, I think, cannot be perfectly cured; and it would be worse in both cases after the separation of the sections, than before. The foreign slave trade, now imperfectly suppressed, would be ultimately revived without restriction, in one section; while fugitive slaves, now only partially surrendered, would not be surrendered at all, by the other.

Physically speaking we cannot separate. We cannot remove our respective sections from each other, nor build an impassable wall between them. A husband and wife may be divorced, and go out of the presence, and beyond the reach of each other, but the different parts of our country cannot do this. They cannot but remain face to face; and intercourse, either amicable or hostile, must continue between them. Is it possible, then, to make that intercourse more advantageous or more satisfactory, after separation than before? Can aliens make treaties easier than friends can make laws? Can treaties be more faithfully enforced between aliens than laws among friends? Suppose you go to war, you cannot fight always; and when, after much loss on both sides, and no gain on either, you cease fighting, the identical old questions, as to terms of intercourse, are again upon you. – Page 86

Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address: We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bond of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearth-stone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature. – Page 88

Lincoln’s Second Inauguration March 4, 1865: On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, and Lincoln received the news that evening on his return to Washington from a tour of battle sites in Virginia. The following day he gave his last speech from an upstairs window at the White House to a crowd of hundreds of impromptu celebrants gathered on the lawn. Three days later, on April 14th, Lincoln was assassinated as he, his wife, and two guests watched a performance of Our American Cousin, an English comedy, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington. – Page 94

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think all American Citizens should be required to read the Constitution in high school, along with explanations about how it came to be. Since my Alabama public school did not do this, I supplemented my education. Sure, they discussed the first few lines and the major amendments, but it was glossed over and not put in perspective. The two speeches by Washington were boring and mired in the religious, old-fashioned wording of the time, and it is clear that Andrew Jackson was speaking from hillbilly ignorance, but Lincoln is always inspiring. Jefferson wows me with his high-minded eloquence on egalitarian society, even as I wonder how he could treat blacks and women as second-class citizens. I also enjoyed Patrick Henry and William Lloyd Garrison, men of passionate principles. James Monroe's speech was a historical lesson, but we know now that it is a flawed viewpoint that led to many pointless, costly wars. I would like to see a version of these speeches "translated" into modern English, so middle school children could read and understand them.

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that looks at not only the founding document of the United States of America, but other great works that contributed to the shaping of the country.

[Jairo Fraga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collection of great documents and discourses around USA independence.

Beautiful speech by Patrick Henry, on "Give me Liberty or Give me Death!", saying there is no peace, the war is inevitable.

The declaration of independence follows, with many complaints against the tyranny.

The 1787 Constitution comes with not so much interventionism like today, as the government had way less duties.

Madison Federalist Paper #10 isn't very pleasant, asking for a big republic instead of smaller states, due to the "imbalance" in ownership of properties.

Proceeds to the two boring Washington's addresses.

Monroe Doctrine shows the roots of American imperialism, willing to intervene on other countries.

Good text on William Garrison interest on abolishing slavery at all costs.

Depicts Andrew Jackson war on the banks, which I can't comment fully due to my ignorance on american history, but it seems he got some points right.

Lincoln speeches are nice also, he uses his words well, even if his intentions maybe aren't the best at times.

[gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to undertake American Constitutional Law as a course at a university in Canada when I was doing a semester abroad. I myself am not an American, so it can seem a little odd that American history and law in particular is my favourite topic to read about. Yet here I am, I cannot help it - I absolutely love American history. I wanted a refresher on the course, as I had read the Federalist Papers a while back. I still want to cultivate my knowledge on American history, and I figured this was a great little book to have in my library. This is a great introductory collection, however, I suggest everyone to endeavour to learn beyond what is contained in this paperback!

Slightly unrelated but also not - might I recommend fellow readers to also give "No Compromise with the Evil of Slavery" by William Lloyd Garrison a read. A powerful, passionate, and moving speech by a prolific abolitionist.

[armin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neat collection of the most prominent speeches in the history of the United States plus the key texts such as the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Amendments with the time each Amendment was passed. Moreover, each speech is accompanied by a brief introduction about the time it was being delivered, from Give Me Liberty to The Lincoln’s Gettysburgh and the Second Inaugural Address, all these speeches are part of the history we have been through and reading them today in my opinion is necessary for every single one of us. However, I believe the Introduction to the speehes in this Dover Edition should have been more profound and detailed.

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent refresher from the most influential men of the 18th and 19th Century: Washington, Madison, Jefferson, Lincoln and others. This short work is one I will go back to, to refresh me memory and attempt to understand what they were saying. Why? The English back then is not what it is today. It is much more flowery and flowing. Getting to the point wasn’t the name of the game back then. I kept trying to condense their words in an attempt to get the meat of the issue. It was a futile effort. You have to immerse yourself into the time frame and let the words soak in.

Five Stars

[Anilou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I categorized this book as read which does not mean I'll never take another look. Indeed, as I watch news of the day with it close, invariably I will refer to it to read for myself what it teaches about the separation of powers, impeachment, and the branches of government. Every time I check out a fact I am struck by the timliness of this book. It deepens my a
Understanding of how and why our nation was set up the way it was. The Constitution is ever timely because of its amendments.

I read this and most definitely will continue to do so.

[Lindstromsteph Lindstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each document or speech is well described before reading it. Reading the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, each Amendment makes me more thankful for our country. No other society has risen up against a monarchy and established such a remarkable form of government.
This book should be required reading for each American - especially our elected officials from local towns through our current Federal government.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time with so many amateur political pundits and professed constitutional experts. It begs the question, “How many Americans have actually read the Constitution and other important American Documents?” My guess is not many. Most listen to other so-called experts. The truth is they can be difficult to read, written for lawyers, in an older style of writing that we aren’t accustomed to, and/or far too wordy. All should at least make the attempt to read the documents themselves.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rating is more for this edition than for the actual texts, since I would not presume to give the foundational documents of a country a starred review. The editors of this book have provided a good amount of context for each of the documents presented here, which made it easier for me, as someone with only general knowledge of American history, to grasp the significance of their meaning.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, it is required reading for anyone interested in The United States. The book is 96 pages long, but to get the most of it you will have to study it. Be prepared to read things several times.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful compilation of some of the greatest documents of American history. I gained a lot of insight from this book, and I wish I had read this before I took APUSH. I learned a lot from this book and enjoyed reading primary sources.

[JOSEPH C MCADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent a great book

Excellent a great book for experiencing some of our greatest guiding doctoring that has guided our great country from it's start.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patriotism recharged for the new year!

[Roy Olcott · Rating 2 out of 5]

What’s it about? It is 14 most important documents of early American history according to the person who picked it out

How I discovered it? Not exactly sure however it was a book I bought a long time ago, maybe 2015 or earlier

Thoughts? The reading is quite tough due to it being written in 150+ years or longer also for most it will be on a dry subjects however it was interesting in the fact you will see different former presidents writing styles. But for most everyone was passionate about the issues at hand and you can sense that through their writing.

Who would like it? An American history buff

What did I learn? A lot of the issues that have infected our present day politics were very common back then. ex: The party politicking from democrats and republicans

Best quote?" Mere precedent is a dangerous source of authority" Andrew Jackson

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh, Tessa, and I read the Declaration of Independence, The Emancipation Proclamation, and the Gettysburg Address tonight. This book gives a synopsis of the history proceeding the drafting of the documents. This was good to read to Tessa, a good overview of our Nation's time in history. We love the writing of the Declaration of Independence. It seems like some of the things mentioned in the document, we still have strife about, like emigration reform. Josh found it interesting that all the people here were being abused by the government at the time, even the British soldiers that had come here to govern. They did not have a say either. There was no good means of communication. The country needed support right away and was not getting it. Josh stated that when we give our oaths now, we do not give the oath to one person like the president. We give the oath to the people. We serve the people and the ideal.

When we read the Emancipation Proclamation, we noted that slavery is discussed in the Declaration of Independence but then is not abolished until nearly 100 years later. Josh noted that Lincoln must have felt pretty confident that the North would win the war since he freed the Southern slaves when the fighting was still taking place. I find the manner of the passing of the thirteenth amendment fascinating. All the discussions back and forth between the senators and the negotiations are intriguing to me.

We found the explanation about the Gettysburg address very interesting. Lincoln was dedicating the burial ground along with Edward Everett, former president of Harvard. Everett was a well known orator of the day and he spoke for two hours. Then the president got up and gave his very pointed three paragraph speech. No one remembers Everett's speech, but we all know what proceeds when we hear, "Four score and seven years ago..." The power and magnitude of succinct speech.

[Louis W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Hope it stays in print for the next four years.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read several of these documents. We get taught about them when we are too young to even understand their importance. How many of us think the Emancipation Proclamation freed all the slaves? I certainly did. But it did not do that. It only freed people from the states and counties in open rebellion against the government. It was the actual amendment, two years later, that freed all slaves. I have also heard the Monroe Doctrine thrown around in modern politics and they are mis-representing what it actually says to the American public. Overall, it was a good refresher and makes you mindful of our duty to be part of the process of government. Something that was taken far more seriously for the public good 200 years ago.

[Victor Orozco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Proud to have read this little book.

Nice collection of documents that have become more than just a passing fancy for those who read them, especially if you are an American. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution with the Bill of Rights and all the Amendments as well as some of the great speeches of the earliest Presidents from Washington, Jefferson and Madison. I got to admit it feels a little out of place adding The Liberator announcement, but followed with the Emancipation Proclamation and Lincoln's speeches are truly wonderful.

I love American History and truly hold pride for the country's institutions. Good thing to read around the Presidential Election. Slightly a dry read at times but important to have read.

C+

[Matthew]

This book should be required reading for every citizen, every voter, and, while unlikely, every human being (LOL). Fascinating and significant, these documents brought me to great reverence for both our founding fathers and their beautiful, audacious optimism at establishing a radical, unheard of experiment that became America.

The Monroe Doctrine in particular moved me deeply: contrasting America's Cold War record in Latin America with Monroe's insistence that we would defend the Americas against future European colonialism. How I feel our nation strayed from that noble document, and how hopeful I am that we tread more carefully in the future.

[Karrie Bunting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should have a copy of this book, AND READ IT. Interesting stuff, this is. No opinions (unless you count Washington and Lincoln's famous speeches as opinions). Just documents. Madison, Henry, Lincoln, Washinton, The Constitution, etc.

[Susan Sons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, inexpensive little collection of documents everyone should have on hand.

[Abraham Ray]

nice book about early american governmental documents!

[RS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Arjen Van der hoeven · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

[Mac Tonight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read it for an assignment, good book.