**“An indispensable contribution to the understanding of our heritage.” – Robert A. Caro

“This insightful collection will fascinate, delight, and challenge all who are interested in the progress of the American nation.”—Annette Gordon-Reed

Here, in a single volume, are the documents (speeches, letters, tweets, Supreme Court decisions, and more) that have forged American history. This 11th edition is now updated with a new chapter on the COVID-19 pandemic, the January 6, 2021 insurrection, and the Biden presidency.**

Accompanied by interpretations of their significance by noted historian Richard D. Heffner and journalist Alexander B. Heffner, the important documents in this book include:

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Constitution of the United States

• Frederick Douglass’ “What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?”

• The Monroe Doctrine

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• Woodrow Wilson’s War Message to Congress

• Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech

• John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address

• Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter from the Birmingham City Jail

• The National Organization for Women (NOW) Statement of Purpose

• Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Decision

• Documents related to September 11 and the Iraq War

• Barack Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech

• Articles of Impeachment against Donald J. Trump

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