Presidential Speeches

• GEORGE WASHINGTON: FAREWELL ADDRESS
• ABRAHAM LINCOLN: GETTYSBURG ADDRESS
• ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS
• WOODROW WILSON: FOURTEEN POINTS
• FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT: FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS
• JOHN F. KENNEDY: INAUGURAL ADDRESS
• LYNDON B. JOHNSON: VOTING RIGHTS ACT ADDRESS
• RONALD W. REAGAN: FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS
• GEORGE W. BUSH: ADDRESS TO CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 20, 2001

Beginning with George Washington, U.S. presidents have addressed the nation concerning various issues of domestic and international policy. A small number of these speeches have become important documents in their own right. They contain ideas, symbols, and memorable statements that have captured the public's imagination and led to significant changes in U.S. law and government.