Immigration
Emily Fiedler Period 3 Social Studies 12/7/2015
The Statue of Liberty
Historical Overview
In 1865, a man in France named Edouard de Laboulaye introduced the idea of making a monument for the United States. He got a sculptor ten years later to help plan out a statue to capture the feeling of the Declaration of Independence called "Liberty Enlightening the World." The Americans agreed to build the pedestal and the French were to build the statue. It was not completed until October 1886 because it took so long to finance.
Why it's a powerful symbol
The Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom. It also represents the friendship between France and the U.S. and their want for liberty. This symbol is powerful because it shows how we welcome immigrants and stand for hope and opportunity for those who come for a better life in America.
Ellis Island
Historical Overview
Before the second wave of immigration, Ellis Island was a military fort from 1855-1890. Before 1890, New York's immigration was regulated by Castle Garden. As the numbers of immigrants increased, it became apparent that Castle Garden was not adequate to support them all. After 1890, the federal government controlled immigration through a new station built on Ellis Island. Over 12 million "New Immigrants" entered the U.S. through it. Due to an unknown cause, a fire burned down Ellis Island on June 15, 1897 and many years of records with it. It was rebuilt by 1900, accepting even more immigrants once again.
Why it's a powerful symbol
Ellis Island is a major symbol of the massive immigration the United States. It serves as a reminder of hope and freedom for a better life in the United States. It represents the immigrants of which our country is made up of and how it became the beautiful culturally, ethnically, and racially diverse place it is today.