Explore American history firsthand though this nation's most important documents. This book tells the story of a growing, vibrant democracy through its laws, Supreme Court rulings, treaties, and presidential speeches, from colonial times to the present. Organized chronologically, each document includes a brief introduction and excerpts, and often an image of the original. Most are followed by relevant historical quotes from books, newspapers, and speeches of their eras, providing a framework to understand each document's significance. The more than 60 entries include: the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, Washington's Farewell Address, the Missouri Compromise, the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Homestead Act, Wilson's Fourteen Points, Brown v. Board of Education, the Voting Rights Act, and the Resignation Speech of Richard Nixon.--From publisher description.