Speeches

America's tradition of powerful and influential speeches. Notable speeches and their speakers, with lasting impact on society and politics.

"I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King Jr. (1963)

Delivered during the March on Washington, this iconic speech called for an end to racism and envisioned a future where all people would be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.

"Gettysburg Address" by Abraham Lincoln (1863)

A brief but profound speech delivered during the Civil War, emphasizing human equality and redefining the conflict as a struggle for a new birth of freedom.

"Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You" by John F. Kennedy (1961)

In his inaugural address, JFK challenged Americans to contribute to the public good, emphasizing civic duty and the pursuit of progress and peace.

"The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself" by Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933)

In his first inaugural address during the Great Depression, FDR aimed to restore confidence and hope, asserting the nation's ability to overcome adversity.

"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry (1775)

A passionate call to arms against British oppression, this speech became a rallying cry for American independence.

"Tear Down This Wall" by Ronald Reagan (1987)

Delivered at the Berlin Wall, Reagan's speech urged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to dismantle the barrier dividing East and West Berlin, symbolizing the push for freedom and the end of the Cold War.

"A More Perfect Union" by Barack Obama (2008)

Addressing racial tensions and the history of inequality in America, Obama called for unity and understanding to overcome division and build a better future.

"Women's Rights Are Human Rights" by Hillary Clinton (1995)

In her speech at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, Clinton declared that women's rights are fundamental human rights, galvanizing the global women's rights movement.

"The Ballot or the Bullet" by Malcolm X (1964)

A powerful speech advocating for African American self-defense and voting rights, emphasizing the importance of political and social change by any means necessary.

"A Time for Choosing" by Ronald Reagan (1964)

An influential speech supporting Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign, Reagan articulated conservative principles and called for limited government and individual freedoms.

"The Man in the Arena" by Theodore Roosevelt (1910)

Delivered in Paris, this speech emphasized the importance of active participation in public life and the value of striving valiantly, even in the face of failure.

"We Shall Overcome" by Lyndon B. Johnson (1965)

In support of the Voting Rights Act, LBJ declared the need to end racial injustice and discrimination, echoing the civil rights movement's anthem.

"The Four Freedoms" by Franklin D. Roosevelt (1941)

In his State of the Union address, FDR outlined four fundamental freedoms everyone in the world ought to enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

"City Upon a Hill" by John Winthrop (1630)

Delivered aboard the Arbella, Winthrop's vision for the Massachusetts Bay Colony set the moral and religious foundation for American exceptionalism.

"Ain't I a Woman?" by Sojourner Truth (1851)

In this impassioned speech at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention, Truth highlighted the intersection of race and gender, advocating for both abolition and women's rights.

"Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation" by Franklin D. Roosevelt (1941)

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, FDR's speech to Congress declared war on Japan, marking America's entry into World War II.

"Second Inaugural Address" by Abraham Lincoln (1865)

As the Civil War drew to a close, Lincoln called for national reconciliation and healing, emphasizing "malice toward none" and "charity for all."

"The Challenger Disaster Address" by Ronald Reagan (1986)

Following the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion, Reagan's speech comforted a grieving nation and honored the bravery of the astronauts.

"A Whisper of AIDS" by Mary Fisher (1992)

At the Republican National Convention, Fisher's powerful speech brought attention to the AIDS epidemic, combating stigma and calling for compassion and action.

"D-Day Prayer" by Franklin D. Roosevelt (1944)

Broadcast on radio as Allied forces landed in Normandy, FDR's prayer sought divine guidance and support for the soldiers fighting for freedom.

"The Great Society" by Lyndon B. Johnson (1964)

LBJ's speech at the University of Michigan outlined his vision for a Great Society, focusing on the elimination of poverty and racial injustice.

"I've Been to the Mountaintop" by Martin Luther King Jr. (1968)

King's final speech before his assassination, it emphasized resilience and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

"The Right Stuff" by John F. Kennedy (1962)

JFK's speech at Rice University emphasized America's commitment to space exploration, leading to the Apollo moon landings.

"American University Commencement Address" by John F. Kennedy (1963)

JFK's speech promoting peace and nuclear disarmament during the Cold War.

"The Speech at the Brandenburg Gate" by Ronald Reagan (1987)

Reagan's call for the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the end of Cold War divisions.

"The Malaise Speech" by Jimmy Carter (1979)

Carter's address on the energy crisis and the need for moral and spiritual renewal in America.

"The Emancipation Proclamation" by Abraham Lincoln (1863)

Lincoln's executive order that freed slaves in Confederate states, a turning point in the Civil War.

"House Divided Speech" by Abraham Lincoln (1858)

Lincoln's assertion that the nation could not endure permanently half slave and half free.

"Farewell Address" by George Washington (1796)

Washington's address warning against political parties and foreign alliances, shaping future American policies.

"The Cross of Gold Speech" by William Jennings Bryan (1896)

Bryan's speech advocating for bimetallism and against the gold standard, influencing economic policy debates.

"Give Us the Ballot" by Martin Luther King Jr. (1957)

King's speech advocating for voting rights for African Americans, emphasizing the power of the ballot.

"The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama (2004)

Obama's keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, launching his national political career.

"The Checkers Speech" by Richard Nixon (1952)

Nixon's address defending himself against accusations of financial impropriety, showcasing the power of television in politics.

"The Evil Empire Speech" by Ronald Reagan (1983)

Reagan's address labeling the Soviet Union as an "evil empire," solidifying his anti-communist stance.

"The City Upon a Hill" by John Winthrop (1630)

Winthrop's sermon outlining his vision for the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a model of Christian charity.

"The Truman Doctrine" by Harry S. Truman (1947)

Truman's address establishing the policy of containment to prevent the spread of communism.