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Patriotism founders' library
The Declaration of Independence, 1776 The 1776 statement of why thirteen colonies were dissolving their ties to Britain, grounded in natural rights, consent of the governed and a list of grievances. The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 Lincoln's January 1, 1863 order, issued as a war measure, declaring free the enslaved people in areas in rebellion and opening Union service to Black men. Federalist No. 1: General Introduction Hamilton opens the series by asking whether Americans can build good government by reflection and choice, and promises to prove six points for the Union. Federalist No. 2: Concerning Dangers from Foreign Force and Influence John Jay argues that Americans are one people with shared ancestry, language, religion and principles, and that union is the best guarantee of their safety. Federalist No. 3: Concerning Dangers From Foreign Force and Influence (Continued) Jay argues that one national government will avoid war better than rival confederacies, by keeping treaties and speaking with one voice. Federalist No. 4: Concerning Dangers From Foreign Force and Influence (Continued) Jay argues that nations go to war when they expect to gain, that trade rivals would eye a divided America, and that one government defends best. Federalist No. 5: Concerning Dangers From Foreign Force and Influence (Continued) Jay cites the history of Britain to argue that divided American confederacies would grow jealous of one another and would not remain peaceable neighbors. The Gettysburg Address, 1863 Abraham Lincoln's 1863 speech at Gettysburg, in about 270 words, recasting the war as a test of whether a nation dedicated to equality can endure. Jefferson's First Inaugural Address, 1801 Thomas Jefferson's 1801 address after a bitter election: unite, keep government limited and frugal, and seek peace with all nations and alliances with none. Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, 1865 Abraham Lincoln's short 1865 address near the war's end, treating slavery as its cause, seeing divine judgment on both sides, and urging malice toward none. The Mayflower Compact, 1620 A short covenant signed aboard the Mayflower at Cape Cod, in which the settlers combined into a civil body politic and promised obedience to its just laws. Washington's Farewell Address, 1796 George Washington's parting advice: preserve the Union, beware of party spirit, honor religion and morality, keep public credit, avoid permanent alliances.