Liberte'

Generally for Reading Level 3, this colorful children's book comments on history and some possibly unfamiliar truths about the The Statue of Liberty, which given as a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States in 1886. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, it has become universally recognized as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Over the years, there have been countless claims that the Statue of Liberty was originally intended to be cast in the image of an ex-slave woman at the end of the Civil War. This assertion has been labeled as a theory, a myth, and ultimately, an urban legend. But if it is only a myth, then why do prominent historians and scholars continue to hotly debate and write about this question? In the last six or seven years, the discussion about the statue has grown, mostly due to persistent internet rumors about the 151 foot tall national monument. Traditionalists insist that these rumors are unfounded, but the rumors are quickly gaining ground, prompting scholars and ordinary citizens alike to take a closer look at the history surrounding the statue's earliest days. History detectives are becoming more and more dogged in their pursuit of the answer. To be sure, it is an interesting and thought provoking question, and being the curious creatures that we are, it is one that most of us would like to know the answer to. But is there one concrete answer that will satisfy us, and if there is, how close will history take us to it? Here are some of the reasons why a growing number of scholars believe that the statue was originally intended to be that of an ex-slave woman: The idea for the Statue of Liberty was conceived by the French abolitionist, Edouard de Laboulaye. de Laboulaye, along with other French and American abolitionists, dedicated themselves to help end slavery in the United States. Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the Frenchman who designed the Statue of Liberty, was a close friend of de Laboulaye's and shared his anti-slavery convictions. oIt is widely accepted that Bartholdi's original design ideas for the Statue of Liberty evolved from trips that he made to Egypt where he visited the colossal pyramids, the Sphinx, and other giant iconic structures. Even though visitors to the Statue of Liberty cannot see them, there are broken shackles at her feet. For those who believe that Bartholdi's original wish was for Lady Liberty to be cast in the image of an ex-slave woman, this is proof positive of his intentions. Many historians believe that the end of the Civil War ignited the idea for the Statue of Liberty. The end of the war was the beginning of the realization of the principles of democracy as set forth in the Declaration of Independence. The idea that the Statue of Liberty is a monument to American immigrants did not take root until the twentieth century. But no matter what your opinions or conclusions are, there is one fact that is indisputable. The Statue of Liberty remains a beautiful and magnificent symbol of freedom to people all over the world.