What was the reason behind building The Statue of Liberty?

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By Kristy Tolley

The Story of Liberty Enlightening the World

The Statue of Liberty, also known as Liberty Enlightening the World, is one of the most recognizable symbols of freedom and democracy in the world. Standing tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue is a testament to the enduring values of the American people and their commitment to justice and equality. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the United States and was dedicated on October 28, 1886, by President Grover Cleveland as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

The History of the Idea: A Gift from France

The idea for the Statue of Liberty originated with the French historian and political thinker Edouard de Laboulaye in 1865. Laboulaye, a prominent member of the Franco-American Union, proposed that France should give the United States a statue as a gift to commemorate the centennial of American independence in 1876. The statue would be a symbol of the ideals of liberty and democracy that both countries shared. Laboulaye enlisted the help of the French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi to design the statue, and work on the project began in earnest in 1875.

The French Connection: Bartholdi and Eiffel

Bartholdi was the mastermind behind the design of the statue, which was inspired by classical Greek sculpture. He envisioned a colossal figure of a woman holding a torch aloft in one hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence in the other. To bring his vision to life, Bartholdi enlisted the help of the renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel, who later designed the Eiffel Tower. Eiffel assisted Bartholdi in designing the internal structure of the statue, which was made of iron and steel, and helped to ensure that the statue was sturdy enough to withstand the strong winds and waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

The American Connection: Fundraising and Construction

The construction of the Statue of Liberty was a massive undertaking that required the support of both the French and American governments, as well as private citizens. The French government provided the statue, while the American people were responsible for building the pedestal on which it would stand. Fundraising for the pedestal was led by newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, who raised over $100,000 through a nationwide campaign. Construction of the pedestal began in 1883 and was completed in April 1886.

The Symbolism of the Statue: Liberty and Freedom

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of liberty and freedom, and its message is clear: the United States is a land of opportunity and hope. The statue represents the ideals of democracy, equality, and justice, and serves as a reminder that these ideals must be upheld at all times. The statue has become an icon of American culture, and is often used in advertising, films, and other forms of media to represent the American way of life.

The Design of the Statue: A Masterpiece of Art and Engineering

The design of the Statue of Liberty is a masterpiece of art and engineering, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of the 19th century. The statue stands 305 feet tall, including its pedestal, and weighs over 225 tons. The statue is made of copper, which has oxidized over time to give it its distinctive green patina. The statue’s internal framework is made of iron and steel, and was designed to withstand the strong winds and waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Materials Used: Copper, Iron, and Stone

The Statue of Liberty is made of several materials, including copper, iron, and stone. The statue’s skin is made of 300 sheets of copper, which were hammered into shape and riveted together. The internal framework of the statue is made of iron and steel, and was designed by Gustave Eiffel to be both strong and flexible. The pedestal on which the statue stands is made of granite, and is designed to support the weight of the statue and withstand the forces of nature.

The Dimensions of the Statue: Height, Weight, and Proportions

The Statue of Liberty is an impressive sight, with its height, weight, and proportions all contributing to its grandeur. The statue stands 151 feet tall, and its pedestal adds another 154 feet to its height. The statue is 305 feet tall from its base to the tip of its torch. The statue’s face is nine feet tall, while its nose is four feet long. The statue weighs over 225 tons, and its proportions are carefully calculated to give it the appearance of a woman holding a torch aloft in one hand and a tablet in the other.

The Pedestal of the Statue: A Showcase of American History

The pedestal on which the Statue of Liberty stands is not only a structural necessity, but also a showcase of American history. The pedestal was designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt, and features several plaques and inscriptions commemorating the statue’s dedication and the ideals it represents. The pedestal also houses a museum, which contains exhibits about the statue’s history and significance.

The Unveiling of the Statue: A Grand Event

The unveiling of the Statue of Liberty was a grand event, attended by thousands of people from all over the world. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886, in a ceremony presided over by President Grover Cleveland. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the United States, and was intended to be a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The Reception of the Statue: Controversies and Criticisms

The reception of the Statue of Liberty was not universally positive, and the statue faced its share of controversies and criticisms. Some people felt that the statue was a waste of money, while others objected to the statue’s design and symbolism. Still others saw the statue as a symbol of American imperialism and the oppression of minority groups.

The Legacy of the Statue: A Universal Symbol of Hope and Opportunity

Despite its initial reception, the Statue of Liberty has become a universal symbol of hope and opportunity, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of human creativity and engineering. The statue continues to inspire people around the world, and serves as a reminder that the ideals of liberty and democracy are worth striving for. The statue is a symbol of the American dream, and a testament to the enduring values of the American people.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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