Famous Speech Events

1736 May 29 Patrick Henry Is Born
Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736, in Studley, Virginia. He was a brilliant orator and an influential leader in the opposition to British government. As a young lawyer, he astonishe...
1775 Mar 23 Patrick Henry Delivers "Give Me Liberty" Speech
Henry went on to serve as a member of the first Virginia Committee of Correspondence, which facilitated inter-colonial cooperation, and as a delegate to the Continental Congresses of 177...
1861 Jan 21 Davis Delivers Last Speech before the U.S. Senate
His renewed service in the Senate was interrupted by an illness that threatened him with the loss of his left eye. Still nominally serving in the Senate, Davis spent the summer of 1858 in...
1893 Jan 2 Douglass Delivers Speech at the World's Fair
"We should not forget that the freedom you and I enjoy to-day… is largely due to the brave stand taken by the black sons, of Haiti ninety years ago…striking for their freedom, they struck ..." —Frederick Douglass, "Lecture on Haiti" address delivered at the dedication of the Haitian Pavilion at the World's Fair
1941 Dec 8 Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers "a date that will live in infamy" speech, committing the US to WWII
Text of Speech Yesterday, 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 Empir...
1942 Nov 10 Winston Churchill Delivers His 'This Is Not The End' Speech
"The Germans have received back again that measure of fire and steel which they have so often meted out to others. Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it ..." —Winston Churchill
1964 Oct 27 Ronald Reagan Delivers "A Time for Choosing" Speech
Reagan joined the campaign of conservative presidential contender Barry Goldwater in 1964. Speaking on Goldwater's behalf, Reagan stressed his belief in the importance of smaller governme...
1992 Aug 17
to 1992 Aug 20
 Ronald Reagan Delivers Last Major Address at the 1992 Republican National Convention
Thank you, Paul for that kind introduction. And Mr. Chairman, delegates, friends, fellow Americans, thank you so very much for that welcome. You've given Nancy and me so many wonderful me...
1994 Feb 3 Ronald Reagan Makes Final Public Speech at a Tribute in Washington, D.C.
After leaving office in 1989, the Reagans purchased a home in Bel Air, Los Angeles in addition to the Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara. They regularly attended Bel Air Presbyterian Church an...