Who is known as the "Father of The Statue of Liberty"?

Edouard de Laboulaye was a French jurist, activist and poet. He spoke out against slavery and was known as the "Father of the Statue of Liberty". As a prominent political figure of his times and a careful observer of the US politics, Laboulaye put forth an idea of a monument presented to the US by France. Laboulaye believed such a gift would be very helpful to maintain relationship between the USA and his country.

Laboulaye proposed creating a sculpture in 1865. After the Union victory in the Civil War the US ideals of democracy were confirmed, and Laboulaye was sure it was important to support the States. Honoring the US would not only enhance the relations between the countries, but also strengthen the cause for democracy in France.

Laboulaye's idea was turned into reality ten years after, with the help of his good friend and talented sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi.

More Info: nps.gov

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

52 Comments

Marylou King

Bridy4u , Yes, the USA gave it to France. Sorry, what a dumb idea. I wonder who thought that was a great gift. lol

fdeisner

I would like to know who was the mother, OUCH.

Helga U. Williams

I thought it was Bertholdi. Great question and narrative! 👍

Jas Newman

Tracey Lynne Mousley, That project never got off the drawing board. Furthermore, the Egyptian project was never related to the colossi.

Jas Newman

jonbroberts, Who can deny any of the three have—at some time, to some people—been known as the Father of the Statue ...?

Jas Newman

Charles Strader, Also, Eiffel was instrumental in the construction.

dmarkc

Yeah, I was stuck between the sculptor and the man who had the idea of and wrote the inscription on it. Good question, stang.

stevemanning

Auguste Bartholdi is also known as the father of the statue of liberty. That makes this question problematic in my opinion.

mkrash

I thing reading this question is the key and I have found more then once where question and answers do not match up but that is not the case here but then my answer did match up with the Authors also .

Evelyn Forbes

I got it wrong!

Tracey Lynne Mousley

The Egyptians who commissioned the statue ran out of money. The statue was originally designed to sit opposed to Collasus. So it was modified a bit and given to America as a gift.