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

• The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson's classic rationale for rejecting allegiance to the government of King George III.
• The Constitution of the United States, America's most important political and social document in structuring its government.
• The Monroe Doctrine, the cornerstone of American foreign policy.
• Father of the Constitution, author of the Bill of Rights, and fourth President 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.
• 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.