Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York City. It was a gift to the United States from the people of France in 1886, and it has since become a symbol of freedom and democracy.

History

The idea for the statue was first proposed by French historian Édouard René de Laboulaye as a gift to the United States to celebrate its centennial of independence and to honor the friendship between the two nations.

The Statue of Liberty was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel, who later went on to design the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Symbolism

The statue represents Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, and holds a torch above her head, symbolizing enlightenment. Her right foot is raised, representing the struggle for freedom and democracy. The tablet she holds in her left hand is inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence.

Study Guide

Who proposed the idea for the Statue of Liberty as a gift to the United States?
Answer: Édouard René de Laboulaye
Who was the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty?
Answer: Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
What does the raised right foot of the statue symbolize?
Answer: The struggle for freedom and democracy
What is the tablet held by the Statue of Liberty inscribed with?
Answer: The date of the American Declaration of Independence
Where is the Statue of Liberty located?
Answer: Liberty Island in New York Harbor

Studying the Statue of Liberty provides an opportunity to explore the history of the United States, the relationship between France and the United States, and the symbolism of freedom and democracy.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. American Landmarks

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Physical and human characteristics of the school, community, state, and region, and the interactions of people in these places with the environment.

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

What are the Basic Values and Principles of American Democracy? Why is it important for Americans to share certain values, principles, and beliefs?

American identity: Students should be able to explain the importance of Americans sharing and supporting certain values, principles, and beliefs. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Identify symbols used to depict Americans’ shared values, principles, and beliefs and explain their meaning, e.g., the flag, Statue of Liberty, Statue of Justice, Uncle Sam, Great Seal, national anthem, oaths of office, and mottoes such as E Pluribus Unum

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Topic 3: The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the People from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage

How democratic values came to be, and how they have been exemplified by people, events, and symbols.

The student understands national symbols through which American values and principles are expressed.

Statue of Liberty

History

Symbolism

Study Guide

[Statue Of Liberty] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. American Landmarks

The resources above cover the following skills: