Humanities Project Module Four: The Monument I Have Chosen
humanities Project Module Four The monument I have chosen for this short
The monument I have chosen for this short answer project is the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is a renowned symbol located in New York City, recognized worldwide as an emblem of freedom and democracy. Its inception is credited to Edouard de Laboulaye, often referred to as the “Father of the Statue of Liberty,” who conceived the idea as a gift from France to the United States. The statue was designed by various architects and artisans, and its construction spanned from 1865 to 1886, culminating in a grand recognition of liberty's ideals.
The Statue symbolizes not only the friendship between France and the United States but also represents the end of oppression, notably the abolition of slavery following the American Civil War. Initially, the statue was intended to celebrate the Union victory and signify hope for freedom and equality. However, over time, its meaning evolved, becoming a broader symbol of liberty for all Americans, especially welcoming millions of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. These immigrants viewed the statue as a beacon of hope and a sign that they had arrived in the land of opportunity.
Before researching further, my understanding was that the Statue of Liberty was primarily a national symbol of American liberty and peace. I perceived it as a monument that represented the ideals of freedom for all citizens. Yet, understanding its historical context reveals that its deeper significance lies in fostering international friendship and serving as an emblem for the ideals of liberty and democracy amid political and social upheaval.
The relationship between France and the United States during this period was also a crucial aspect of the statue’s symbolism. France had long supported American independence during its revolution, and the gift of the statue was a gesture of continued friendship and mutual respect. Its design features, including the tablet inscribed with July 4, 1776, and the torch symbolizing enlightenment, further underscore its role as a herald of liberty and progress. For immigrants arriving in New York, the statue was much more than an artistic marvel — it was a powerful, reassuring symbol that they had reached the land of freedom and opportunity.
Works Cited
- U.S. Department of the Interior. (2016). History & culture. National Parks Service. Retrieved May 29, 2022, from https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/historyculture/index.htm