Lady Liberty

Wk6D1-Lady Liberty

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Wk6D1-Lady Liberty

The statue of liberty is been termed as a universal symbol of freedom. The statue was initially conceived as symbol of the relations between France and the United States and their endeavor towards prosperity and liberty. It is also described as the mother of exiles as serves as the first landmark viewed by immigrants as they arrive in the United States. Frederic Auguste Bartholdi developed the world’s tallest monument, which into consideration a number of factors such as support for the more than 100 tons of copper on the 151-foot tall statue such that it would be able to withstand the winds characteristic of New York Bay (National Park Service, 2013).

Frederic was able to seek the assistance of Gustave Eiffel who was responsible for developing the Eiffel tower in Paris, France. The structure utilized a 94-foot tall wrought iron skeleton that utilizes four posts which for the main structural members as they work in compression. The wrought iron skeleton provides support to a secondary iron frame such that it is able to carry a system that comprises of flat wrought iron (National Park Service, 2013). The members are responsible for carrying the copper plates, which are part of the exterior of the statue. A smaller frame extends from the mainframe, which supports the head, as well as a slim 47-foot, and 7 inches skeleton that carries that arm which holds the torch. The frame is composed of diagonal members and is designed for withstanding wind speeds in excess of 58 psf, such that in 50mph wind condition the monument only moves 3 inches (National Park Service, 2013).

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of prosperity, the American Dream, and the promise of freedom for immigrants entering the United States. As a universal symbol of freedom, the statue promises citizens of the inherent values of American society towards individual liberty and wellbeing irrespective of country of origin (Martin & Jacobus, 2011). Furthermore, it is suggestive of protection of personal liberty as a means of ensuring prosperity, socioeconomic development and wellbeing of communities.

References

Martin, F. D., & Jacobus, L. A. (2011). The humanities through the arts (8th ed., Laureate Custom ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

National Park Service. (2013b). Statue of Liberty: Liberty enlightening the world. National Park Service. Retrieved from http://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm on 5th august 2016