America has been shaped by its founders and the influential leaders that came after. With America almost being 250 years old, we’ve seen some of the best presidents who knew not only how to lead, but also how to captivate the American heart, mind, and values with their ability to give moving speeches about substantial and sometimes delicate topics.
Let’s delve into history and look at some of the best speeches that American presidents have used to stir up change and deliver their messages to the people of America. From Abraham Lincoln to John F. Kennedy, these presidents rallied a nation and inspired hope in times of change.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is one of the most well-known presidents in American history. During his presidency, he had the difficult job of leading the nation through one of its darkest times, the American Civil War. President Lincoln delivered a short but impactful speech at Gettysburg after a particularly casualty-heavy conflict.
The following passage is what would now be called the Gettysburg Address: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Lincoln wasn’t the only President to have to guide the nation through times of war. Franklin D. Roosevelt, arguably, was President of the United States during the worst conflict in history – World War II. Just a day after Japan had laid waste to Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt addressed the nation with powerful words.
The Day of Infamy Speech started with the following: “YESTERDAY, December 7, 1941 a date which will live in infamy the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy is another president who was in office during a tense period in history. The 35th president called for civic duty and a global responsibility during the Cold War. Kennedy addressed the nation with a speech that is now famously called his “ask not” speech during his inauguration.
On January 20, 1961, President Kennedy gave his inaugural address, and a famous line came out of it: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” This line provoked thought among Americans to rise above self-interest and to serve their country during harsh times.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson became the 36th President of the United States after John F. Kennedy’s assassination. He played a pivotal role in civil rights reforms and pushed for the Voting Rights Act. His speech was addressed to Congress and pledged federal support for racial equality after peaceful protests were met with violence.
A part of his address goes as follows: “There, long-suffering men and women peacefully protested the denial of their rights as Americans. Many were brutally assaulted. One good man, a man of God, was killed.”
Ronald Reagan
When Ronald Reagan became President of the United States of America, he took over the continued burden of Cold War tensions. Reagan famously stood in front of the Berlin Wall and openly challenged Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet leader at the time, to take down the wall. His speed showcased a desire for freedom and unity across the European continent.
The last part of his address went as follows: “General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
George Washington
George Washington was the United States’ first president and set a high standard for American leadership going forward. His farewell address announced that he was not going to run for a third presidential term, and was published in newspapers rather than spoken to a nation. Still, his words are influential even today.
His address was advice to a young nation that was only just emerging. He warned about getting tangled up in foreign dependencies and unnecessary wars.
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt was President who praised people who enganged in life’s challenges. He “Citizenship in a Rupublic” speech celebrated courage, effort, and perseverance.
The speech started as follows: “Strange and impressive associations rise in the mind of a man from the New World who speaks before this august body in this ancient institution of learning.”
“Before his eyes pass the shadows of mighty kings and warlike nobles, of great masters of law and theology; through the shining dust of the dead centuries he sees crowded figures that tell of the power and learning and splendor of times gone by; and he sees also the innumerable host of humble students to whom clerkship meant emancipation, to whom it was well-nigh the only outlet from the dark thralldom of the Middle Ages.”
Barack Obama
Barack Obama was the first ever African-American to win the presidential election and became the 44th president of the United States. After winning the election in 2008, he delivered a victory speech that included themes of hope, change, and unity.
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”
“It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.”
George W. Bush
George W. Bush was in office during the tragic events of 9/11 in 2001. Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office, speaking with the desire to calm a shocked and reeling nation, and to reassure the American nation that they were still strong and unified.
“Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.”
“The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.”
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