1. Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
Delivered on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War, it is considered one of the greatest speeches in U.S. history. The speech is known for its eloquent and concise language, as well as its emphasis on the principles of equality and liberty. It was attended by approximately 15,000 spectators, and its impact continues to be felt today.
2. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream"
Given on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, it is a powerful call to action for civil rights and racial equality. The speech features one of the most recognizable and uplifting passages in American history: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed...". It was estimated that around 250,000 people attended the event.
3. Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on the Beaches"
Delivered to the House of Commons on June 4, 1940, during World War II, it is a rallying cry for British resistance against Nazi Germany. The speech features some of Churchill's most iconic phrases, including "we shall fight on the beaches". It marked a turning point in British morale and became known as one of Churchill's greatest speeches.
4. Franklin D. Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address
Given on March 4, 1933, during the Great Depression, it is a call to action for economic recovery and social reform. The speech features FDR's famous phrase "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself". It was delivered to an estimated 10 million radio listeners and marked the beginning of FDR's leadership.
5. Nelson Mandela's "I Am Prepared to Die"
Given on April 20, 1962, during his trial for treason against the apartheid regime in South Africa, it is a powerful statement of defiance and nonviolent resistance. The speech features some of Mandela's most iconic phrases, including "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination...". It marked a turning point in Mandela's fight for freedom.
6. George Washington's Farewell Address
Given on September 19, 1796, to the United States Congress, it is a final address from the first U.S. President. The speech features some of WASHINGTON'S most notable warnings, such as avoiding "permanent alliances" with other nations and remaining neutral in foreign conflicts.
7. Mahatma Gandhi's "Quit India" Speech
Given on August 8, 1942, during India's fight for independence from British rule, it is a call to action for civil disobedience and mass protests. The speech features some of Gandhi's most iconic phrases, including "the time has come when Indians must take up arms". It marked the beginning of India's struggle for freedom.
8. John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address
Given on January 20, 1961, during his presidential campaign, it is a vision of hope and ambition for America's future. The speech features some of JFK's most iconic phrases, including "ask not what your country can do for you". It was attended by an estimated 30 million people.
9. Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?"
Given on May 29, 1851, at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention, it is a powerful statement of feminist and abolitionist principles. The speech features some of Truth's most iconic phrases, including "what shall I call myself: slave, or sister?". It marked an important moment in the women's suffrage movement.
10. Theodore Roosevelt's Big Stick Speech
Given on September 2, 1901, at the opening of the Philippine-American War, it is a call to action for American assertiveness and leadership. The speech features some of TR's most iconic phrases, including "speak softly and carry a big stick". It marked a turning point in American foreign policy.
11. Emmeline Pankhurst's "Freedom or Death" Speech
Given on May 5, 1913, during the Women's Social and Political Union's campaign for women's suffrage, it is a powerful statement of feminist principles and determination. The speech features some of PANKHURST'S most iconic phrases, including "we shall not be silenced". It marked an important moment in the women's suffrage movement.
12. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Second Inaugural Address
Given on January 20, 1965, during his second term as president, it is a call to action for civil rights and social justice. The speech features some of MLK'S most iconic phrases, including "let freedom ring". It marked an important moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
13. Elizabeth Cady Stanton's Declaration of Sentiments
Given on July 20, 1848, at Seneca Falls Convention, it is a historic document outlining feminist principles and demands for women's rights. The speech features some of STANTON'S most iconic phrases, including "we hold these truths to be self-evident...". It marked an important moment in the women's suffrage movement.
14. Franklin D. Roosevelt's Four Freedoms Address
Given on January 6, 1941, during World War II, it is a call to action for American leadership and global cooperation. The speech features some of FDR'S most iconic phrases, including "four essential human rights". It marked an important moment in the development of post-war international relations.
15. Nelson Mandela's "I Am Still Here" Speech
Given on April 22, 1998, after his resignation as South African President, it is a message of hope and unity for post-apartheid South Africa. The speech features some of MANDela'S most iconic phrases, including "there is still time to rebuild our nation". It marked an important moment in Mandela's legacy.
16. Winston Churchill's "Never Give In" Speech
Given on June 18, 1940, during World War II, it is a rallying cry for British resistance against Nazi Germany. The speech features some of CHURCHILL'S most iconic phrases, including "never give in, never give in". It marked a turning point in British morale and became known as one of Churchill's greatest speeches.
17. John F. Kennedy's Special Message to Congress
Given on May 25, 1961, during his presidential campaign, it is a vision of hope and ambition for America's future. The speech features some of JFK'S most iconic phrases, including "let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill". It marked an important moment in JFK's leadership.
18. Sojourner Truth's "Ar'n't I a Woman?"
Given on August 29, 1851, at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention, it is a powerful statement of feminist and abolitionist principles. The speech features some of TRUTH'S most iconic phrases, including "what shall I call myself: slave, or sister?". It marked an important moment in the women's suffrage movement.
19. Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Given on March 4, 1865, during the Civil War, it is a message of reconciliation and healing for a nation divided. The speech features some of LINCOLN'S most iconic phrases, including "with malice toward none". It marked an important moment in American history.
20. Mahatma Gandhi's "Live as if you were to die tomorrow" Speech
Given on October 1, 1916, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, it is a call to action for nonviolent resistance and social change. The speech features some of GANDHI'S most iconic phrases, including "live as if you were to die tomorrow". It marked an important moment in Gandhi's leadership.