This speech was important historically for a few reasons:
1. It symbolizes a moment in time, the Civil Rights Movement. As stated above, this was important to secure equal rights regardless of race.
2. It references major pieces of history attaching them to the moment he was creating himself. He quoted from the Declaration of Independence, alludes to the Gettysburg address and Abe Lincoln, and references the music of both a Negro spiritual and a national patriotic song, My Country Tis of Thee. Each of these pieces deal with freedom and the rights of man.
3. He united the country by citing many mountain ranges in many states. This is important because each section of America represents mini-cultures.
4. The inspiration that this speech induced models what happens in all great movements. Thus, when people want to cause a great act, here is a model worth a good look to copy. King is noted for his non-violent approach to enacting change and this speech symbolizes that.
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