Washington's 135-word address, in 1793, was the shortest ever, a minute's worth of talk. Jefferson, a champion of press freedom, groused about his press coverage in his second inaugural and about how ...

I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is ...

Washington’s second (135 words); FDR’s fourth (573 words). Longest inaugural address: William Henry Harrison’s, which lasted over two hours. Worst cases of bad timing: The day Martin van ...

I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is ...

Frederick Douglass called it "a sacred effort," and Lincoln himself thought that his Second Inaugural, which offered a theodicy of the Civil War, was better than the Gettysburg Address.

rising fascism in Europe—and FDR embraced it, launching his New Deal. “We do not distrust the future of essential democracy,” he declared in his inaugural address. “The people of the ...

Ridley Mitchell of Cookeville represented the Fourth District. Congressman Joseph W ... a notion which clearly horrified many of his advisors. FDR’s sunny disposition and confidence inspired Americans ...

fixing the practice in inaugural tradition. FDR was also the first to feature an invocation by a religious leader (and a benediction). FDR also said a prayer at one inauguration. Religious elements ...

Called from a retirement which I had supposed was to continue for the residue of my life to fill the chief executive office of this great and free nation, I appear before you, fellow-citizens, to take ...