The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 09 (of 12) Dresden Edition—Political

"The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 09 (of 12)" by Robert Green Ingersoll is a compilation of political speeches given in the late 1800s. The book dives into topics like civil rights, the end of slavery, and fairness in society, all very important during the time of rebuilding the United States after the Civil War. Ingersoll uses powerful language to discuss freedom, treating everyone the same, and what people in a country ruled by the people should be responsible for. One notable speech addresses the black community in 1867, tackling how awful slavery was and how it continued to affect society. He breaks down the false reasons people used to justify slavery, points out how laws and religion were two-faced in supporting it, and praises those who fought to end it. Ingersoll stresses how important learning is, warns of how not knowing things can keep people down, and tells those who were just freed to grab onto their freedom and fight for their rights. His strong words act as both a glimpse into the past and a push for things to get better and for people to come together.