**“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 More Than One Million Copies Sold!