'State of the Union Addresses by United States Presidents (1877 - 1884)' Summary

This volume presents the State of the Union addresses delivered by Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and Chester A. Arthur from 1877 to 1884. It captures the voices of these presidents as they addressed the nation's Congress, outlining their visions for the country's future. Hayes's addresses focus on issues such as civil service reform, economic recovery, and the reconciliation of the North and South after the Civil War. Arthur, who assumed the presidency after Hayes's term, concentrated on topics such as tariff policy, the civil rights of African Americans, and the development of a stronger national currency. The collection offers a valuable historical record of the challenges and priorities faced by the nation during this period, revealing the presidents' perspectives and strategies for navigating a complex political landscape. Each address is presented in its entirety, allowing readers to engage directly with the language and rhetoric employed by the presidents.