Shaping the World: Conversations on Democracy
Lesson Plans and Supporting Material

Section IV
Guardians and Defenders of Liberty and Democratic Principles

Match the quote to the speaker.
Quote Speaker
The eyes of the virtuous all over the earth are turned with anxiety on us as the only depositaries of the sacred fire of liberty.  
Throughout its history, America has given hope, comfort and inspiration to freedom's cause, in all lands.  The reservoir of good will and respect for America was not built up by American arms or intrigue, it was built upon our deep dedication to the cause of human liberty and welfare.  
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival of liberty.  
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, it expects what never was and never will be…The People cannot be safe without information.  When the press is free, and every man is able to read, all is safe.  
We are a nation of many nationalities, many races, many religions - bound together by a single unity, the unity of freedom and equality.  
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.  
Freedom itself was attached this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended.  
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.  

Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery!  Forbid it, Almighty God!  I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

  

Speakers
(note: Names may be used more than once)

  • President George W. Bush

  • Abraham Lincoln

  • Thomas Jefferson

  • Patrick Henry

  • Franklin Roosevelt

  • Adlai Stevenson

  • John F. Kennedy

  • Benjamin Franklin

Once you have identified the speaker, discuss with your teacher and classmates the circumstances that led these individuals to make their comments.  

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