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Abigail Smith Adams	Frederick Douglass

Before You Read: Heroes of the Past

Our country's history includes the stories of many heroes— people whose words and deeds have had a positive impact on the lives of other Americans and on American society as a whole. Some of these people were famous in their day. Others were not fully appreciated at the time, but said or did things that future generations have recognized as important. Many of these voices from the past still echo today.

With a partner, talk about American heroes you admire. List three of these historical figures. Write a sentence or two about each person, telling why she or he was important.

Then click here to read about three important Americans that you may or may not have thought of.

Americans Whose Words Still Echo

Abigail Smith Adams

• Abigail Smith Adams was the wife of John Adams, the second President of the United States. She was also the mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. Abigail Adams became known for her strong opinions and new ideas. In many of the letters that she wrote to her family members and friends, she spoke out against slavery and for women's rights. In one of her most famous letters, she asked her husband, then in the Continental Congress, to "remember the ladies"— that is, to allow women also to have a part in the making of laws. The thousands of letters that she wrote have helped historians learn more about the times in which she lived.

  
  Frederick Douglass

• Frederick Douglass was an important voice for African Americans in the mid-nineteenth century. He was born into slavery, but managed to flee to freedom when he was still a young man. He spoke out against slavery and protested the discrimination that he saw in the workplace, in schools, and even in churches. Douglass founded an antislavery newspaper and wrote two inspiring books about his own life.

  
  Franklin Delano Roosevelt

• Franklin Delano Roosevelt was our nation's 32nd President. Despite being unable to walk as the result of polio, he held office longer than any other President— twelve years. Roosevelt guided the United States through difficult times. He led our country out of the Great Depression in the Thirties, and he supplied strong leadership throughout the course of World War II. One of his most memorable statements was spoken to the American public over the radio in the darkest days of the depression. He said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Now read about an early American who overcame the prejudices of his time to make many great contributions.

Go to A Mind That Mattered.