Traveling in Search of Americas History

Tour 1

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was created by Maya Lin. The historical event that it honors is the Vietnam War and those who died or went missing as a result of their sacrifice in the war. This war is significant because it was so controversial at home, and the monument honors those who gave their life for the war. It is one of the most famous war memorials in the world. The war was meant to contain communism in Asia. It was unpopular at home, however, because of the draft and the fact that people did not understand why the US was fighting a war in Vietnam that had nothing to do with America. People burned their draft cards and protested the government, especially when it turned out that the US was lying about the death toll. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was a way to clear the foul air back home by honoring those who died fighting for a cause that not many understood or agreed with.

The Jefferson Memorial is another memorial that is a tribute to the 3rd President of the US, Thomas Jefferson. It was designed by John Russell Pope and built by John McShain. Jefferson is known as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. The words of the Declaration are etched into the walls of the Jefferson Memorial. Inside is a bronze statue of Jefferson that stands 19 feet tall. In his left hand is the Declaration of Independence. Clearly this was an important document and the reason for its importance is that it was the document that announced Americas independence from England. The cause of the declaration was the heavy tax burden that England had placed on the colonies. The effect of the declaration was that it led to the war between England and the colonies. The outcome was the start of the United States. Had it not been for Jefferson, the US would not have gotten off on this note.

Tour 2

Mt. Rushmore is located in Pennington County, South Dakota. It was the brainchild of Doane Robinson, who wanted to attracted tourism to South Dakota. Gutzon Borglum hit upon the idea of carving the four presidents into the mount. South Dakota US Senator Peter Norbeck sponsored it and obtained federal money for it. Borglum and then his son oversaw the project. The idea was to have the bust of each president carved, but funding ran out and the project, begun in1927, was stalled by 1941.

I choose George Washington, the first US President. His accomplishments begin even before he became president. He helped lead the colonies to victory over the English in the War for Independence. As president he gave a great example of how to guide the nation: he stated that people in America must never take their nation for granted or misuse what they have obtained. Implicit in his view was that only a people with virtue will be able to retain the great nation they were gifted after the Revolutionary War.

I would say that George Washington...

Washington only served two terms even though there were no term limits imposed at the time. He resigned from government because he wanted to return to the simple life of overseeing his land and his life at home. That is a great idea for todays leaders who have grand ambitions.

However, Washington also had his own issues. He was close to Alexander Hamilton, who was very ambitious. Even the US did not have a tremendously strong federal government at the time, Washington did help to strengthen it. He often allowed Hamilton and John Jay to have their ways, and he owned slaves.

Tour 3

Carrie Chapman Catt was a leader of the womens movement prior to WW1 and she pushed for the promotion of womens suffrage, ultimately securing enough votes in Congress to see that women would receive the vote as an Amendment to the Constitution. Prior to that, women had not right to vote in American politics. Women were largely anti-war at the time, and the womens movement had resisted supporting the war. Wilson wanted the support of the womens movement and he Chapman that he would see to it that women would receive the right to vote if they would back the war effort that he was trying to drum up support for. So she was instrumental in making sure that women got the vote even though all it meant was that they would have to go back on their anti-war stance. Without the work of Carrie Chapman, the US might never have entered into WW1 and women would not have the right to vote today. It was her push and effort that changed the course of life in America.

Lucille Ball was a female comedian and actress who starred in one of the funniest TV sitcoms of all timethe I Love Lucy show. She pioneered the womans role on TV and gave the joy of laughter to American society many years. People would tune in to watch her show and they loved the mirth that she brought to their lives. She helped pave the way for women in TV and she helped pave the way for women as producers. She was an inspiration to other actresses and the show has won universal acclaim around the world. Her show really stands out as a testament to the creative powers of American society and what made life in America so grand. Lucille Ball is an icon in TV and show business as a result, and she made life fun for all the millions who watched her every week and then for years after when the show was in re-runs.…