I have a dream, a date which will live in infamy and we shall overcome are all words from famous speeches. These are the top ten best American speeches of the 20th century.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out of the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”Martin Luther King Jr. uttered those words on August 28, 1963 in Washington, DC. In the 1950’s and 60’s, King was a driving force in fight for racial equality. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial he used these words to mobilize supporters of desegregation and prompted the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
“Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.” These were the motivating words spoken by John F. Kennedy delivered in his inaugural address on January 20, 1961 in Washington D.C. This speech was a moving address and made Americans reconsider some of their actions.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke these words in his first inaugural address, delivered on March 4, 1933 in Washington DC. In this speech he also asked Congress for the power to declare war against the Great Depression.
“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.” Franklin D Roosevelt spoke these words on December 8, 1941 in Washington, DC. This speech was delivered as a result of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and in it he requested that Congress declare war.
“Who then, will speak for the common good?” Barbara Johnson spoke these words in here keynote speech to the Democratic national convention on Jul 12, 1976 in New York, New York. A civil rights advocate and politician, her words were strong and motivated people towards change.
“And you know, the kids, like all kids, love the dog and I just want to say this right now, that regardless of what they say about it, we’re gonna keep it.” Richard M. Nixon spoke those words September 23, 1952 in Los Angeles, California when giving his side of the Watergate scandal. Although he was ultimately impeached, he made a point and kept the dog (Checkers). The speech will forever be known as the “Checkers” speech.
“And 1964 looks like it might be the year of the ballot or the bullet.” Those words were part of a speech given by Malcom X on April 3, 1964 in Cleveland, Ohio. This was speech was given in an election year where politicians would be jockeying for the votes of whites and blacks alike.
“We’ll continue our quest in space. There will be more shuttle flights…more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space.” Ronald Reagan spoke these words January 28, 1987 in Washington, DC. The speech was given in response to the Challenger disaster. In the crash, Michael Smith, Dick Scobee, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis and Christa McAuliffe were all killed.
“So it is apparently necessary for me to state once again — not what kind of church I believe in, for that should be important only to me — but what kind of America I believe in.” Senator John F. Kennedy gave this speech September 12, 1960 in Houston, TX. This speech ultimately helped him the presidency of the United States.
“We shall overcome.” Lyndon B. Johnson spoke these words March 15, 1965 in Washington, DC. The speech was given in a joint address of congress on voting legislation. Johnson was the successor of Kennedy, who had earlier been assassinated, and the country was mourning
