Background

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington D.C. stands as a reminder of the enduring legacy of one of America’s most influential presidents. Spanning 7.5 acres along the picturesque Tidal Basin, this monument is in remembrance to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, whose leadership reshaped the nation during some of its most difficult years. Roosevelt was born in 1882 into a very prominent family. Later on in life, he faced an unfortunate fate when he was diagnosed with polio in 1921. This disease left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this setback, he continued to participate in politics, and eventually became the President in 1933. During his time as President, Roosevelt had to face many challenges and new creations such as the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War 2, and the establishment of the United Nations after his death. The memorial to Roosevelt in Washington D.C. is split into four different open air rooms, with each room representing each term of his presidency. Roosevelt served a total of 12 years in office, with the last year being his death in 1945. This is also the most terms served by any president in the history of the United States.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington, D.C., wallyg, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Memorial’s Design

Lawrence Halprin designed this memorial in 1974. He was selected to design this memorial, which funding started for previously in 1955. This memorial took over 40 years of planning before it was finished in 1997. When it was built, there was widespread admiration due to the innovative design and the representation of Roosevelt as a president. As the memorial’s designer envisioned, the monument is divided into four outdoor galleries, each representing one of Roosevelt’s terms in office. Through a combination of bronze sculptures, granite walls, and cascading waterfalls, visitors are guided through key moments of Roosevelt’s presidency. Halprin wanted this memorial to display everything Roosevelt was involved in, from the depths of the Great Depression to the triumphs of World War II and the establishment of the United Nations, the memorial vividly portrays Roosevelt’s leadership during pivotal moments in American history. The sections of the memorial represent each term Roosevelt served in order, and they highlight different key moments from Roosevelt’s presidency. The first section of the memorial covers the years 1933-1937, when the Great Depression was in full swing. The second section of the memorial covers the years 1937-1941. During this time period and second term of Roosevelt’s presidency, he created the New Deal, which was a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations. It helped to restore a sense of security as it put people back to work. It created the image of a regulatory state that could protect the interests of all Americans, rich and poor, and thereby help the business system work in more productive ways. The third section of the memorial covers the years 1941-1945 and the third term of Roosevelt’s presidency. During this term, World War 2 officially started when the United States joined in 1941. This section contains the most well known statue from the memorial overall, which features Roosevelt with his dog. The fourth and final section covers the year 1945, which was Roosevelt’s last term as president due to his unfortunate passing as a result of the polio disease. The highlight of this section is a statue of Roosevelt’s wife, Elanor Roosevelt, who became the first United States delegate of the United Nations in 1945.

The Four Sections

The first section of the memorial is known as “The First Inauguration,” and covers Roosevelt’s first term as president from 1933-1937. This section captures the optimism and hope of FDR’s early presidency. Here, visitors will find many inspirational and memorable quotes directly from Roosevelt throughout his presidency during his first term. The main feature of this section is a large wall that is inscribed with the quote “This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny. I pledge myself to a new deal for the American people. In these days of difficulty we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice, the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man. No country, however rich, can afford the waste of its human resources. Demoralization caused by vast unemployment is our greatest extravagance. Morally, the greatest menace to our social order.” Roosevelt said these inspiring words during his acceptance speech. As you move through the first section, you will then encounter a wall near the exit inscribed with excerpts from Roosevelt’s first inaugural address, which immortalize his famous declaration that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” This section serves as a powerful reminder of Roosevelt’s resolve and his commitment to confronting the daunting challenges facing the nation with courage and determination.

The second section of the memorial, covering the years 1937-1941, stands as proof of the impact of Roosevelt’s second term as president and his landmark achievement, the New Deal. This section serves as a reminder of the bold and innovative programs, public works projects, financial reforms, and regulations that Roosevelt implemented to fight against the devastating effects of the Great Depression. As visitors walk through this portion of the memorial, they will find a series of statues and quotes that depict scenes of hope and renewal. There are also many different waterfalls and other statues in this section. These symbolize what Roosevelt promised with the New Deal, which was economic security and opportunity for all Americans. The quote “We must scrupulously guard the civil rights and civil liberties of all our citizens, whatever their background. We must remember that any oppression, any injustice, any hatred, is a wedge designed to attack our civilization,” spoken by Roosevelt on January 9, 1940, shows what it was like in this era. This quote is on one of the walls in the second section of the memorial, and it emphasizes the importance of the action that Roosevelt had in safeguarding the interests of both rich and poor. One of the most well known statues in this section depicts a man sitting in a chair listening to the radio. This symbolizes Roosevelt’s popular “fireside chats” which he gave from 1933-1944. These chats were a staple radio broadcast for the American people during this time. Overall, the New Deal created the image of a regulatory state which was capable of protecting the welfare of all citizens while keeping a productive business environment. Because of Roosevelt, the New Deal laid the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive society, and it left a lasting legacy that continues to shape America to this day.

The third section of the memorial covers the years 1941-1945, which was Roosevelt’s third term. This section serves as a reminder of the United States’ entry into World War II in 1941. This section is the most popular and well known one of the whole memorial, and it captures the impact of the war on Roosevelt and the nation as a whole. As visitors walk through this space, they will find many different statues, quotes, and structures. One of the highlights here is boulders inscribed with one of Roosevelt’s well known declarations, “I hate war” This showed his strong desire for peace and his opposition to the devastation created by conflict. There are also more waterfalls in this section similar to the last, and they are a mark of Roosevelt’s experiences of the horrors of war. They are marked with inscriptions about the bloodshed, destruction, and suffering he witnessed on land and at sea. These reminders serve as a contrast to the popular narrative of triumph and victory associated with World War II, which offers a reflection on the human cost of armed conflict and the need for peace and understanding. Through these monuments and inscriptions, this section of the memorial allows visitors to remember the legacy of Roosevelt’s leadership during one of the darkest chapters in human history.

The fourth and final section of the memorial covers 1945 and the events after Roosevelt’s death. As visitors explore this section, they will be met with a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady who played an important role in Roosevelt’s presidency and advocated for social justice and human rights. Eleanor’s presence is a reminder of her efforts in women’s rights, civil rights, and international diplomacy. These were all proven by her position as the first United States delegate to the newly formed United Nations. As visitors exit this section, they will find a timeline of Roosevelt’s life, etched into the stairs that lead out of the memorial. These stairs allow visitors to reflect on the milestones and challenges of his journey as the president. From the depths of the Great Depression to the heights of victory in World War II, Roosevelt’s presidency was full of courage and resilience, which left a mark on the nation and the world. As visitors exit this section, they will have a deeper appreciation for Roosevelt’s leadership and knowledge of the ideals of democracy, equality, and freedom for which he passionately fought for.

Summary

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C. stands as a tribute to one of America’s most influential presidents, spanning across the Tidal Basin. This monument commemorates the life and legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose leadership reshaped the nation during some of its most challenging years. From his start as a president during the Great Depression to his leadership through World War II, Roosevelt’s presidency was marked by his ongoing goals. Divided into four outdoor galleries, with each representing one of Roosevelt’s terms in office, the memorial shows some of the key moments and themes from his presidency. From his first inauguration to the realities of war in his third term, and finally to his enduring legacy after his death, the memorial serves as a reminder of Roosevelt’s enduring impact on American history and his commitment to the ideals of democracy, equality, and freedom. Today, the Roosevelt memorial continues to evoke a sense of reverence and admiration among visitors and the general public. For many, the monument is a reminder of Roosevelt’s leadership and legacy.

References

“Address at Chautauqua, N.Y.” Address at Chautauqua, N.Y. | The American Presidency        Project, The American Presidency Project, 14 Aug. 1936, www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-chautauqua-ny.

“Evening Star. [Volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, September 17, 1961, Image 136.” News about Chronicling America RSS, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., 17 Sept. 1961, chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045462/1961-09-17/ed-1/seq-136/#date1=1957&index=5&rows=20&words=Delano+Franklin+Memorial+Roosevelt&searchType=basic&sequence=0&state=&date2=1963&proxtext=Franklin+Delano+Roosevelt+memorial&y=14&x=1&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1.

“First Inaugural Address of Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Avalon Project – Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy, Avalon, 4 Mar. 1933, avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/froos1.asp.

“Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Last Message to the American People. [N. P. 1945]. | Library of Congress.” Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Last Message to the American People, Library of Congress, 1945, www.loc.gov/resource/rbpe.24204300/.

“Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/places/franklin-delano-roosevelt-memorial.htm. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

Hirsch, Alison B. “The Collective Creativity of Anna and Lawrence Halprin.” V, Grantmaker in the Arts, July 2016, www.giarts.org/article/collective-creativity-anna-and-lawrence-halprin.

“President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the New Deal  :  Great Depression and World War II, 1929-1945  :  U.S. History Primary Source Timeline  :  Classroom Materials at the Library of Congress  :  Library of Congress.” The Library of Congress, Library of Congress, 5 Feb. 2016, www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/great-depression-and-world-war-ii-1929-1945/franklin-delano-roosevelt-and-the-new-deal/.

Sykes, Charles. How FDR Made Republican Isolationists Look …, Politico, 20 Mar. 2024, www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/03/20/fdr-biden-isolationists-rhyme-00147881.

“Visiting the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC: Washington DC.” Visiting the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial | Washington DC, Washington D.C., 2019, washington.org/DC-guide-to/franklin-delano-roosevelt-memorial.

“The ‘Four Freedoms.’” Franklin D. Roosevelt, the “Four Freedoms” Address to Congress, W.W. Norton, 1941, wwnorton.com/college/history/ralph/workbook/ralprs36b.htm. 

The Civil War and The Confederacy

The American Civil War, spanning from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, marking a period of profound upheaval and transformation. At its core, the Civil War was a conflict driven by the issue of slavery and the moral, economic, and political divisions it wrought upon the United States. The Confederate states, comprised of Southern states that seceded from the Union, sought to preserve their economic and social system, which was fundamentally built upon the institution of slavery.

Slavery, as an institution, represented one of the gravest moral failings in American history. It involved the brutal exploitation and dehumanization of millions of African Americans, who were forcibly enslaved, subjected to unimaginable atrocities, and denied even the most basic human rights. The institution of slavery not only perpetuated widespread suffering and injustice but also served as a fundamental contradiction to the principles of freedom and equality upon which the nation was founded.

The Civil War, therefore, was not simply a struggle over states’ rights or regional differences but a moral reckoning with the inherent immorality of slavery itself. The Confederate cause, rooted in the defense of slavery and white supremacy, stood in stark opposition to the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

Despite efforts by some Confederate apologists to revise history and portray the Civil War as a noble struggle for states’ rights or Southern independence, the reality remains clear: the Confederate states seceded from the Union to protect and perpetuate the institution of slavery. The Confederate leadership explicitly articulated their commitment to maintaining slavery as a cornerstone of their society, viewing it as a fundamental right and economic necessity.

In this context, the Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery takes on a troubling significance. While it seeks to honor the soldiers who fought for the Confederacy, the cause they fought for is inherently linked to the maintenance of slavery and the perpetuation of a system built upon racial hierarchy and oppression. The monument’s inscription and imagery attempt to portray Confederate soldiers as noble defenders of their homeland, valorizing their actions while downplaying the role of slavery in causing the Civil War.

However, to uncritically celebrate the Confederate cause is to perpetuate a dangerous myth—one that sanitizes the horrors of slavery and whitewashes the Confederacy’s legacy of oppression and injustice. The Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery, like all Confederate symbols, must be understood within the context of this troubling history. It serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of racism and white supremacy in America, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

Construction and Design

The monument was designed by Moses Ezekiel, a sculptor and Confederate veteran born in Virginia in 1844. Ezekiel’s commission to design the monument was emblematic of a broader cultural movement seeking to memorialize the Confederate cause. Despite his talent as a sculptor, Ezekiel’s legacy became inevitably tied to the divisive nature of the Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery. As someone who rejected innovation, Ezekiel was criticized for just emulating those who came before him.

“[But his works] are utterly devoid of innovations or daring new modes of representation. His prime concern was the literary and historical idea behind the work…. But he failed to realize, like other 19th-century artists, that noble thoughts alone do not guarantee that the works they inspire will be great art… he frequently sacrificed his design to accurate depiction and photographic truth.”

Sue Eisenfield, (Should We Remove Confederate Monuments — Even If They’re Artistically Valuable?)

The 32-foot-tall pedestal supported a monument featuring 32 life-sized figures, comprising gods, Southern soldiers, and civilians. However, notably, only two figures were African American. This included the portrayal of a Black “mammy” caring for the soldiers’ children. An inscription on the monument reads, “Victrix causa diis placuit sed victa Caton” (“The victorious cause was pleasing to the gods, but the lost cause to Cato”), framed the South’s secession as a noble endeavor, aligning it with the concept of the “Lost Cause.” The statue attempted to depict a narrative of a “faithful” slave, aiming to rewrite history in a manner that favored the Confederate perspective.

The Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery sends a message that glorifies the Confederate cause and its soldiers, framing their actions as noble and heroic. Through its design and inscription, the monument perpetuates a narrative of Southern pride and resilience, emphasizing notions of states’ rights and valor in battle. The depiction of a Confederate soldier standing atop a pedestal evokes a sense of dignity and honor, portraying the soldiers as defenders of their homeland. Additionally, the inscription likely reinforces this message, celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of Confederate soldiers while downplaying the role of slavery in causing the Civil War. Overall, the monument serves as a commemorative symbol that seeks to memorialize the Confederate legacy in a way that emphasizes valor and patriotism, while overlooking the darker aspects of the Confederate cause, such as its defense of slavery and oppression.

Public Perception at the Time of Construction

When the monument was unveiled in 1914, it was generally celebrated by many as a fitting tribute to Confederate soldiers and their cause. There was a prevailing sentiment of nostalgia and reverence for the “Lost Cause” of the Confederacy, fueled by a desire to honor the sacrifices of Confederate veterans and perpetuate a romanticized vision of the South. The monument’s construction was part of a broader cultural movement that sought to memorialize the Confederate legacy and preserve what was perceived as Southern heritage. However, some dissenting voices, particularly from African Americans and abolitionists, recognized the problematic nature of honoring a cause built upon the institution of slavery.

Contemporary Views and Debates

Today, views about the Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery have evolved significantly, reflecting a broader reassessment of its meaning and significance in contemporary society. Many now see the monument as a symbol of racism, oppression, and the Confederacy’s defense of slavery. There is a growing recognition that monuments like these perpetuate a false narrative of the Civil War and glorify a cause that sought to preserve white supremacy. As a result, there have been increasing calls for the removal of Confederate monuments from public spaces, including Arlington National Cemetery.

Efforts for Removal

Efforts to remove the Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery faced significant legal and bureaucratic hurdles due to its location on federal land under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Defense. Removal or relocation of such monuments on federal property requires navigating complex processes involving multiple government agencies and stakeholders.

Despite these challenges, the Biden administration took steps to initiate the process for the removal and relocation of the monument. This decision sparked a heated debate surrounding issues of history, heritage, and symbolism. Advocates for removal argued that Confederate monuments, including the one at Arlington National Cemetery, glorify a cause deeply rooted in racism, slavery, and white supremacy. They contended that allowing such monuments to remain in public spaces perpetuates harm and division by celebrating a legacy of oppression.

Conversely, opponents of removal argued that Confederate monuments hold historical significance and should be preserved as reminders of the nation’s complex past. They emphasized the importance of preserving historical artifacts, even those associated with contentious periods, as a means of acknowledging and learning from past mistakes.

Despite the opposition, the Biden administration remained committed to the removal and relocation of the Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery. In December of 2023, the efforts to remove the monument faced a significant turning point. Initially, a federal judge issued a restraining order, halting the removal process. However, just two days later, another judge ruled that keeping the statue in place was not in the public’s best interest. As a result, the monument was ultimately removed from its location at Arlington National Cemetery. It is planned to be relocated to New Market Battlefield State Historical Park in Virginia,

The removal of the Confederate Monument marked an important moment in the ongoing debate surrounding Confederate symbols in public spaces. It underscored the complexities involved in navigating issues of history, heritage, and racial justice, while also highlighting the importance of addressing past injustices and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery stands as a controversial symbol of a tumultuous period in American history. Erected in 1914 to honor soldiers of the Confederate States of America, the monument encapsulates the enduring legacy of the Civil War and the profound moral questions surrounding the institution of slavery. the Confederate cause, rooted in the defense of slavery and white supremacy, stands in stark opposition to the principles of freedom, equality, and justice upon which the nation was founded. The Civil War represented a moral reckoning with the inherent immorality of slavery, and the Confederate Monument serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in America.

In contemporary society, views about the Confederate Monument have evolved, reflecting a broader reassessment of its meaning and significance. Many now see the monument as a symbol of racism, oppression, and the Confederacy’s defense of slavery. Calls for its removal from public spaces, including Arlington National Cemetery, underscore the need to confront the troubling legacy of the Confederacy and to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

As we navigate the complexities of our nation’s history, it is essential to recognize the painful truths of the past while striving to build a better future. The Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of racism and injustice in America and the ongoing quest for reconciliation and healing. By confronting the uncomfortable truths of our history and working towards a more just and equitable society, we honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and justice, while also acknowledging the painful legacies of our past.

Bibliography

Barakat, Matthew. “Judge Issues Order Keeping Confederate Memorial at Arlington Cemetery for Now.” AP News, AP News, 19 Dec. 2023, apnews.com/article/confederate-memorial-arlington-cemetery-restraining-order-65a00f0e3b49b22547059ee021ec3e82.

Cliff. “Confederate Memorial.” Flickr, Yahoo!, 1 May 2024, flickr.com/photos/nostri-imago/3161938658.

“Confederate Memorial (Arlington National Cemetery).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_Memorial_(Arlington_National_Cemetery).

“Confederate Memorial.” Arlington National Cemetery, www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Monuments-and-Memorials/Confederate-Memorial. Accessed 1 May 2024.

Eisenfeld, Sue. “Should We Remove Confederate Monuments – Even If They’re Artistically Valuable?” The Forward, 1 Dec. 2017, forward.com/culture/388595/should-we-remove-confederate-monuments-even-if-theyre-artistically-valuable/.

Hines, Richard T. “The Fate of Moses Jacob Ezekiel and His Memorial to the Confederate Dead.” Chronicles, 7 Dec. 2022, chroniclesmagazine.org/view/the-fate-of-moses-jacob-ezekiel-and-his-memorial-to-the-confederate-dead/.

Mayorquin, Orlando, and Rebecca Carballo. “Judge Halts Removal of Confederate Memorial at Arlington Cemetery: [National Desk].” New York Times, Late Edition (East Coast) ed., Dec 19 2023, ProQuest. Web. 30 Apr. 2024 .

“Minutes of the Annual Convention.” Google Books, Google, books.google.com/books?id=N30VAQAAMAAJ&dq=Minutes+convention+%22United+Daughters%22+volume+18&pg=RA1-PA274#v=onepage&q=Minutes%20convention%20%22United%20Daughters%22%20volume%2018&f=false. Accessed 1 May 2024.

“Moses Jacob Ezekiel.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Apr. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Jacob_Ezekiel.

“Opposition Expressed to Removing Arlington Confederate Memorial.” Newsbank.Com, infoweb-newsbank-com.unh-proxy01.newhaven.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNP&docref=news%2F193AA23DB4483378. Accessed 1 May 2024.

Introduction

I decided to research and analyze the Abraham Lincoln statue in Portland, Oregon. The statue was built in 1927, and remained for nearly a century before being toppled over by protestors on the night of October 11^th, 2020, during the string of global vandalism and removal of statues in response to the murder of George Floyd.

Biography of Abraham Lincoln

Known as the “Great Emancipator,” it would come as a shock to many that 16^th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, would be a target of anti-racism protests. As someone who dedicated his presidency to gluing the divided country back together, Lincoln saw immediate conflict when he was elected in 1860. The South’s secession from the Union opened floodgates that would end in over 700,000 casualties called the “Civil War.” Although Lincoln’s efforts were initially fueled by a desire to keep the Union together, the moral dilemma of slavery made its way to the forefront of the course. In Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in 1863, he made it clear that beliefs on slavery were too intertwined with the division of the union, and saving the union would require fighting for the freedom of the slaves in America. This combined with the 1863 Emancipation proclamation, which freed the slaves in the North, set in stone the goal of the war. Lincoln and the Union triumphed over the South and passed the abolition of slavery in January of 1865. Unfortunately, Lincoln’s assassination on April 15^th of the same year gave him no chance to see the constitution’s 13^th amendment put into practice. The legacy of Abraham Lincoln is amongst the largest of any figure in the country’s history, especially for Black people. Without Lincoln’s war efforts, slavery might have gone on in the South until the present day and the United States may have been separated permanently.

Abraham Lincoln, Henry Hughes, CC-BY 2.0

Statue Construction

On February 12^th, 1927, the anniversary of Lincoln’s birthday, sculptor George Fite Waters casted a statue of Lincoln at a French foundry. Surprisingly, the painstaking detail in Waters’ work was thanks to an Englishman in Paris who not only was wearing the same frock coat Lincoln used to wear but happened to have the same bodily dimensions as the former president. Being unveiled in April of the same year and dedicated on October 5^th, 1928, the statue stood at 10ft tall and weighed almost a ton. Henry Waldo Coe, a physician and man with political ties, was the benefactor that gifted the statue to the city of Portland, and Lincoln was raised for all to see in South Park Blocks specifically. Coe was also responsible for the donation of statues of Washington, Joan of Arc, and other historical figures, and it is interesting to scrutinize potential bias he holds with his donations as someone involved with politics.

“Abraham Lincoln, South Park Blocks, Portland, Oregon (2013),” Another Believer, CC BY-SA 3.0

The statue depicts Lincoln with an inclined head and one foot in front of him. Any people passing by would feel the energy and humble strength that Abraham Lincoln was claimed to hold during his presidency, but remembrance of that power would turn from a respectful nature to that of an oppressive and tyrannical one in the eyes of critics less than a century later. This growing community that pointed out Lincoln’s flaws would lay the pavement for the toppling of the statue in 2020. It is essential to be clear about how Abraham Lincoln was perceived in his own time rather than how he was and is venerated decades later. Lincoln’s powerful and stern attitude in the crafted statue was likely an intentional representation of Lincoln, as statues typically are reflective of the designer’s perception of them. The only question is: what did people dislike about Lincoln at the time?

“Statues are not a record of history, but of historical memory. They reflect what somebody at some point thought we should think”

Alex Von tunzelmann, (Fallen Idols, page 7)

Lincoln’s Controversy

After doing some backtracking to understand his approval at the time of his presidency, Lincoln was much less favored while he was still alive. At first, Lincoln encountered hefty opposition and critique from both the media and politicians, with many condemning his actions as unconstitutional and fearing the Union’s collapse. The midterm election of 1862 witnessed a strong rebuke of Lincoln’s policies, resulting in a notable loss of support in crucial states. Despite issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, aiming to liberate slaves in Confederate territories, Lincoln faced continued backlash, including desertions from disheartened soldiers and criticism from abolitionists who deemed the proclamation ineffective. The Proclamation also stoked fears of secession in the Northwest. The situation worsened with riots erupting in New York City in 1863, following the implementation of the Draft Law. Nevertheless, Union victories in Gettysburg and Vicksburg briefly restored support for Lincoln. As the 1864 election approached, Lincoln grappled with significant challenges within his own party, as Radical Republicans openly criticized his leadership. Additionally, the near capture of Washington and economic instability further undercut Lincoln’s standing.

However, the Democratic nomination of George McClellan, advocating for peace negotiations, unexpectedly boosted Lincoln’s prospects. The Union’s capture of Atlanta in September 1864 dramatically shifted public opinion in Lincoln’s favor, leading to his reelection in November. Despite his victory, Lincoln’s popularity remained relatively stagnant, with some Republicans voting for him reluctantly to thwart McClellan’s election. Lincoln’s assassination in 1865 elevated him into a martyr for freedom, sparking a surge in public sentiment in his favor and cementing the Republican Party’s dominance for years to come. Had Lincoln not been assassinated, perhaps he would have simply been known for a poor attempt to efficiently abolish slavery, a gruesome war that killed hundreds of thousands of Americans, and the lowest initial approval rating of any president in the history of the United States (albeit partly because four different presidential candidates were competing as opposed to the usual two).

Removal of the Statue

In 2020, the murder of George Floyd by the hand of Officer Derek Chauvin during an arrest directly resulted in nationwide, and later global, outrage. Over a hundred statues that were disagreed with by protestors in support of the Black Lives Matter movement were vandalized, toppled, relocated, or some combination. The Abraham Lincoln statue was no exception and was toppled by protestors on October 11^th of the same year. In addition, the statue was spray-painted with the phrase “Dakota 38,” a blatantly obvious allusion to the Dakota Wars.

Portland, Oregon, October 2020, Another Believer, BY-SA 4.0

In 1862, the height of the Civil War depleted the Union’s resources, and the Dakota tribe was amongst the groups of people that were given little to no food as a result. Without easy ways to feed themselves, the Dakota led a series of raids in local counties to steal food for themselves. Led by Little Crow, the Dakota ended up capturing over 300 settlers, and were met with a military force driven by militia. After surrendering, nearly 500 Dakota raiders were put on trial for rape, murder, and other crimes. With the aid of short trials without offered representation, over 300 convictions were made, and death sentences were dealt out, until Lincoln reviewed the cases himself. He pardoned all but 38 of these convicted criminals, saving execution for those exclusively involved in civilian massacres. The 38 men were hanged, and the Dakota tribe was essentially banished from the state of Minnesota. To ensure this, the scalps of Dakota heads could be exchanged for cash rewards by the state government, Little Crow ending up one of the victims. The savage and believed-to-be unfair punishments for the Dakota were symbolized by the graffiti sprayed on the statue of the man who allowed the largest single execution event in American history. The fact that we have been taught so many things about venerated icons such as Lincoln yet have never been introduced to controversies such as this is misleading to the education of Americans about their own history.

Execution of Dakota Indians in Mankata, Minnesota, J. Thullen, Public Domain

Conclusion

Whether the statue of Abraham Lincoln was deserving of being taken down or if it is deserving of being repaired and erected once again is up for debate. There is no correct answer but merely a collection of opinions and perspectives. Abraham Lincoln did allow natives to be executed and Minnesota to hunt remaining ones in the area, potentially did not care about slaves’ freedom as much as we have been led to believe, there is the optimistic idea that he did pardon over 250 natives that he deemed unjustifiably facing death, and was the ultimate reason that slavery in America was abolished and that the southern states rejoined the union. We have to keep looking at historical sources to get the best possible picture in a world of easily accessible information loaded with bias and misinformation.

Bibliography

• Elbaum, Rachel. “Portland Protesters Tear down Statues of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 12 Oct. 2020, www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/portland-protesters-tear-down-statues-abraham-lincoln-theodore-roosevelt-n1242913.

• Institution, Smithsonian. “Abraham Lincoln, 1809–1865.” Smithsonian Institution, 2024, www.si.edu/spotlight/highlights-abraham-lincoln-1809-1865#:~:text=Lincoln’s%20legacy%20is%20based%20on,social%20freedom%20for%20African%2DAmericans.

• Copyright, 1927,. “VIEW LINCOLN STATUE IN FRENCH FOUNDRY: ART CRITICS AND REPORTERS SEE HEROIC FIGURE BY WATERS FOR PORTLAND, ORE.” New York Times (1923-), Feb 13, 1927, pp. 2. ProQuest, http://unh-proxy01.newhaven.edu:2048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/view-lincoln-statue-french-foundry/docview/104227218/se-2.
• Minnesota, University of. “US-Dakota War of 1862.” College of Liberal Arts, 2024, cla.umn.edu/chgs/holocaust-genocide-education/resource-guides/us-dakota-war-1862.
• Editors, Wiki. “List of Monuments and Memorials Removed during the George Floyd Protests.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Apr. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_monuments_and_memorials_removed_during_the_George_Floyd_protests.
• Holloway, Jonathan Scott, et al. “Reexamining the Racial Record of Abraham Lincoln.” Reexamining the Racial Record of Abraham Lincoln, cupola.gettysburg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1009&context=cwfac. Accessed 1 May 2024.
• Believer, Another. “Statue of Abraham Lincoln (Portland, Oregon).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Dec. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Abraham_Lincoln_%28Portland,_Oregon%29#/media/File:Abraham_Lincoln,_South_Park_Blocks,_Portland,_Oregon_(2013).JPG.
• projects, Contributors to Wikimedia. Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 25 Apr. 2024, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page.
• Hughes, Henry. “Abraham Lincoln.” Live.Staticflickr.Com, 1 Apr. 2014, live.staticflickr.com/.
• Thullen, J. “Dec. 26, 1862: Mass Execution of Dakota Indians.” Execution of Dakota Indians in Mankato, Minnesota, 26 Dec. 2023, www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/execution-dakota/.
• Tunzelmann, Alex Von. Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History. Headline, 2022.

Theodore Roosevelt Background

Theodore Roosevelt, who is often referred to as Teddy Roosevelt or simply Teddy, was a significant figure in American history. He was born on October 27, 1858, in the busy city of New York. Roosevelt’s legacy as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909 has left an enduring impact on the nation. Roosevelt’s path to the presidency was a remarkable journey. Despite his privileged background, he had an unshakeable dedication to public service and social reform. Throughout his career, he championed causes aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Americans. As a Republican, Roosevelt was known for his progressive policies and energetic personality. He believed in the government’s power to create positive change and was unafraid to challenge the status quo. Roosevelt held several influential positions before becoming the President of the United States. He served as the Governor of New York and the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In his role as the Assistant Secretary, he played a crucial part in shaping the nation’s military strategy. During his presidency, Roosevelt made significant contributions to the world. One of his most notable achievements was his mediation of the end of the Russo-Japanese War. The war had posed a severe threat to global stability, and Roosevelt’s efforts in brokering peace earned him the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. This recognition solidified his reputation as a statesman and peacemaker. Throughout his life, Roosevelt was unwavering in his commitment to the causes he held dear. He was a strong advocate for the conservation of natural resources, recognizing the importance of preserving America’s natural beauty for generations to come. He also fought tirelessly for the rights of workers, seeking to improve labor conditions and protect the interests of the working class. Additionally, he believed in regulating big business to prevent monopolies and ensure fair competition in the marketplace.

About the Statue 

Theodore Roosevelt’s statue, placed in front of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, was a significant tribute to Roosevelt’s contributions to American society. The statue, created by renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser, was unveiled to the public in 1940. It depicts Roosevelt mounted on a horse with a Native American man and an African man on the ground beside him.

The statue was designed to celebrate Roosevelt’s leadership qualities and his dedication to exploration and conservation. The inclusion of the Native American and African figures was meant to recognize the contributions of these groups to American history and culture. Additionally, the African figure represented Roosevelt’s progressive stance on civil rights issues.

However, over time, the statue became controversial. Some argued that the inclusion of the Native American and African figures alongside Roosevelt could be seen as reinforcing outdated and problematic racial hierarchies. This controversy sparked a broader conversation about the appropriateness of historical monuments and their place in modern society.

Why was the statue removed?

In the wake of the nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality in 2020, there was heightened scrutiny of America’s historical symbols, particularly those seen as embodying the nation’s contentious past. Among these, the statue of Theodore Roosevelt outside the American Museum of Natural History in New York City came under intense criticism. Activists and advocates targeted this statue, arguing that it perpetuated damaging stereotypes and glorified colonialism and white supremacy.

The critique centered on the visual arrangement of the statue, where the Native American and African figures were positioned in a manner that seemed subservient to Roosevelt, who was depicted on horseback. Critics contended that this representation endorsed racist clichés and overlooked the extensive history of violence and oppression that indigenous and African American communities have endured. As the debate intensified and public pressure grew, the decision was made by both the New York City government and the American Museum of Natural History to remove the statue from its prominent position. This action was seen as a step towards addressing the controversial aspects of public monuments and their impact on community values and historical interpretation. The Statue was removed January 20, 2022.

Controversy behind statue

The debate surrounding the statue of Theodore Roosevelt in New York City represents a broader discussion about how history is represented and the lasting impact of colonialism on American society. Proponents of the statue’s removal argued that it was crucial to address and dismantle public symbols that glorify oppression and marginalization. They believed that the statue’s presence in a public venue perpetuated a one-sided narrative of history and reinforced existing systems of inequality.

On the other hand, those who opposed the statue’s removal resisted what they perceived as an erasure of historical context and an unjust critique of Roosevelt’s contributions. They acknowledged Roosevelt’s imperfections but emphasized his significant achievements in conservation and progressive reforms. Some critics were concerned that removing such statues might set a dangerous precedent for sanitizing history instead of engaging with its complexities.

In response to the controversy, alternative solutions were suggested, such as adding educational plaques to the statue or creating new artworks that would acknowledge the complexities of Roosevelt’s contributions and shortcomings. However, these suggestions did not receive broad support, and the statue was ultimately removed from its original location.

The removal of the Theodore Roosevelt statue highlights the ongoing challenges of commemorating historical figures while also confronting the harsh realities of the past. As communities continue to deal with the legacies of colonialism, racism, and inequality, the fate of statues like that of Theodore Roosevelt serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of history and underscores the importance of continued dialogue and thoughtful engagement in shaping public memory.

Summary: revisiting the Controversy

The controversy over the Theodore Roosevelt statue in New York City highlights the complexities of honoring historical figures in contemporary society. Theodore Roosevelt, an influential figure in American history, made significant contributions through his progressive policies and dedication to public service during his presidency from 1901 to 1909. His reforms spanned trust-busting, labor laws, and environmental conservation.

Unveiled in 1940 and crafted by James Earle Fraser, the statue was designed to celebrate Roosevelt’s national contributions, depicting him on horseback accompanied by a Native American and an African man, symbolizing his leadership and commitment to exploration and conservation. However, the statue later sparked debate due to its portrayal of the Native American and African figures in subservient positions, which many argued perpetuated stereotypes and glorified colonialism and white supremacy.

Amidst the 2020 protests against racial injustice, calls for the statue’s removal intensified, leading to a division in public opinion. Proponents of removal argued it was necessary to address symbols that glorify oppression, while opponents believed it constituted an erasure of history and an unfair attack on Roosevelt’s legacy.

The debate over the statue not only reflects the ongoing discussions about how history is represented but also underscores the broader societal challenges of addressing colonialism and inequality. The controversy suggests a need for thoughtful engagement and dialogue in how historical figures are commemorated in public spaces.

Refrences

Bishara, Hakim. “NYC’s Racist Roosevelt Statue Is Gone, but Concerns over Its Relocation Remain.” Hyperallergic, 24 Jan. 2022, hyperallergic.com/707134/nyc-racist-roosevelt-statue-is-gone-but-concerns-over-its-relocation-remain/. 

“Controversial Theodore Roosevelt Statue in NYC Will Move to North Dakota for ‘contextualized’ Display.” Dickinson Press, Dickinson Press, 6 Jan. 2022, www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/controversial-theodore-roosevelt-statue-in-nyc-will-move-to-north-dakota-for-contextualized-display. 

Guzman, Joseph. “New York Museum Removes Controversial Statue of Teddy Roosevelt.” The Hill, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2022, thehill.com/changing-america/respect/590597-new-york-museum-removes-controversial-statue-of-teddy-roosevelt/. 

Mackey, Maureen, and Fox News. “Theodore Roosevelt Statue Removed from Front of NYC’s Museum of Natural History.” Fox News, FOX News Network, 20 Jan. 2022, www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/theodore-roosevelt-statue-removed-nyc-museum. 

Magazine, Smithsonian. “The Racist Statue of Theodore Roosevelt Will No Longer Loom over the American Museum of Natural History.” Smithsonian.Com, Smithsonian Institution, 23 June 2020, www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/statue-theodore-roosevelt-removed-reexamination-racist-acts-180975154/. 

Pogrebin, Robin. “Roosevelt Statue to Be Removed from Museum of Natural History.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 21 June 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/06/21/arts/design/roosevelt-statue-to-be-removed-from-museum-of-natural-history.html. 

“Roosevelt Statue Vandalized Outside American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan.” ABC7 New York, 6 Oct. 2021, abc7ny.com/theodore-roosevelt-statue-vandalism-american-museum-of-natural-history-teddy/11088820/. 

“Theodore Roosevelt Statue: Artist, Planners Original Intent: AMNH.” American Museum of Natural History, www.amnh.org/exhibitions/addressing-the-statue/artist-intent. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024. 

“Theodore Roosevelt.” The White House, The United States Government, 23 Dec. 2022, www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/theodore-roosevelt/. 

Treisman, Rachel. “New York City’s Natural History Museum Has Removed a Theodore Roosevelt Statue.” NPR, NPR, 20 Jan. 2022, www.npr.org/2022/01/20/1074394869/roosevelt-statue-removed-natural-history-museum. 

By: Peter Cafaro

The US is a very proud country. We like to celebrate the glory that is our country with several holidays, and we all have some amount of patriotism but not nearly as much as we did in the past. Back then, everyone was gung-ho about patriotism, and it was expected of everyone to be that way, but there was a turning point when there was a sharp decline in this feeling towards the US. The Vietnam War was fascinating when it comes to whether or not we should have been involved. Many, many people had died during this war and we as a country weren’t all for this war. There was an anti-war movement that happened during the Vietnam War. Many controversies were brought to public view, like the My Lai Massacre, where a US army unit sexually assaulted and killed civilians, and The Green Beret Affair, where Special Forces soldiers were arrested for the murder of a suspected double agent, which proved outrage throughout the globe.

Most of the protests had subsided after the Paris Peace Accords were signed. With the end of the war came a time when the US was trying to rally back this American patriotism, so they had a contest to build a memorial after one of their recent wars, where a Yale student named Maya Lin won and got to make a memorial for the Vietnam war. This memorial was built into the side of a hill with black granite slabs with the engraving of all the names of the service members who died or were missing because of the war. It was completed in 1982 and has been under contention for a while. In current times, it is seen as a way to remember those who we had lost during the brutal war, but back then it was not so simple.

Before we get into the controversy, let’s talk about Maya Lin. She is an American Architect born in 1959 who graduated from Yale University. She won acclaim due to her winning the competition in 1981 and building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. She was best known for her minimalist approach to architecture style. This style had attracted controversy at first. Besides the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, she has also had many other works made including the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama. She had also made the Women’s table in front of the Yale library which celebrates the role of women at the University. This is to say that she has had quite an impact on memorials around the US, and it all started with her big break from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The design was controversial because of a lot of the veterans found it to be “anti-monument” and violating the competition requirement that the monument was nonpolitical. It was under so much scrutiny that they called the memorial “a black gash of shame and sorrow.” Since there was so much public outcry over the monument, they had another person create a memorial to sate the public’s need for a “real” war memorial. Fredrick Hart, the third-place winner of the contest, was commissioned to make a bronze sculpture of three soldiers. Many of Lin’s opponents wanted to put the statue at the apex of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial but it was never put there.

One thing to note about the construction of this monument is a couple of the norms it breaks all in one. First of all, it is composed of black granite slabs. The average memorial or monument for the time was made of marble or white rock material. This black granite resembles the tone that you should feel when going into the memorial since it is less of a memorial for lionizing a war and more so about remembering who was lost over the war. Second, the construction of the wall was made in a specific way as well. When you start at the entrance, you are at ground level and the farther you get to the crux of the “V”, the lower in elevation you get. You then rise from the “V” as you leave the memorial. This subtle, yet important inclusion is supposed to represent a “wound that is closed and healing.” This is another breaking of the norm because there usually isn’t this kind of symbolism in the memorials of its time. The symbolic gash on the side of the earth represents the pain caused by the casualties and the war itself. Third and most obvious, the memorial isn’t of one specific person. This memorial is meant for everyone who had been lost or dead during the war, so this is very unlike many of the memorials of the time.

This is all to say that the memorial was not your typical memorial. It was opposing the ideas of the time and was the start of the turning point for the US in the fact that this is the first modern memorial of its time. It goes out of its way to be different and more so for the masses than just one person really shows. It is taken this way as well, for example, a ritual had started to happen where people left their sentimental belongings at the entrance of the memorial for those who had died. This memorial started a genre of sorts. There have been other memorials that have taken to its liking, like the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial. This was a memorial that was built after the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. It chronologically lists the dead in black granite slabs. The impact that the Vietnam War memorial has had on this one is quite evident.

As said before, there have been quite a few contentions with the memorial itself, which has led to some minor acts of vandalism. One of these acts was made in April of 1988, where a swastika and other scratches were found in two of the panels. Another sight of vandalism was in 1993, when the directory stand at the entrance of the memorial was burned. One of the last reported cases was on September 7^th, 2007, where an oily substance was smeared across 50-60 of the granite panels. This was described as an “act of vandalism on one of America’s sacred places” by the Memorial Fund founder, Jan Scruggs. It is quite shocking that there are still these vandalisms nowadays considering we regard this as one of the most venerated monuments of our time.

Today we see the monument very differently from how it was seen back then. Today, this is one of the most solemn places where many go to honor the losses of the war which were many and tragic. Many people opposed the war but at the end of the day, the many losses because of the war are what brings us all together for this memorial. It has the same feeling that a lot of my generation feels about the 9/11 memorial in the fact that it also honors, but more so mourning the loss of lives. In the case of the 9/11 memorial, is more known to my generation just because of when it occurred and how many lives were affected because of it, as well as the fact that it happened on American soil. That isn’t to say that nobody from my generation was affected by the Vietnam War, I am one of those people. My grandfather had fought and died in the war. At the time my mother was 12 and that heavily impacted her family as well as me growing up because I never knew why I didn’t have another grandfather. I never knew the man myself but now knowing this knowledge has given me a new sense of appreciation for the memorial. I know that on that wall somewhere my grandfathers is on there and I feel for all who have been affected by this war.

Sources:

Service, National Park. “Vietnam Veterans Memorial.” Flickr. Yahoo!, 1 May 2024. Web. 30 Apr. 2024.

Cogswell, Ron. “The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Washington (DC).” Flickr, 28 Dec. 2017, www.flickr.com/photos/22711505@N05/24547199907. Accessed 1 May 2024.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Vietnam Veterans Memorial.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Nov. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_Veterans_Memorial.

“The Scar That Binds: American Culture and the Vietnam War.” Open Square: NYU Press, opensquare.nyupress.org/books/9780814709108/. Accessed 1 May 2024.

Multiple Authors. “U.S. History.” Umn.edu, 2015, open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/u-s-history.

“The American Yawp Vol. II: Since 1877.” Open Textbook Library, open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/the-american-yawp-vol-ii-since-1877.

Friedman, D. S. “Public Things in the Modern City: Belated Notes on “Tilted Arc” and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.” Journal of Architectural Education (1984-), vol. 49, no. 2, Nov. 1995, p. 62, https://doi.org/10.2307/1425398. Accessed 20 Feb. 2021.

Gobetz, Wally. “Washington DC: Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial – the Three Soldiers.” Flickr, 6 June 2009, flic.kr/p/6wv23t. Accessed 1 May 2024.

“Shibboleth Authentication Request.” Newhaven.edu, 2024, unh-proxy01.newhaven.edu:2048/login?url=www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/art-war/docview/2463428156/se-2?accountid=8117. Accessed 1 May 2024.

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Statues do not always just exist for the commemoration of someone or something great. There can often be different meanings and purposes to the erection of certain monuments, some of which play a significant role in the way society remembers certain figures and events. In some cases, including the case of King Leopold II of Belgium, these monuments can even be used as an attempt to rewrite history. We will be looking at Leopold II’s statue in the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, why it was erected, and why it was pulled down.

“Statue in Kinshasa“, Steeve P, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Who Was King Leopold II?

King Leopold II ruled Belgium from 1865 until his death in 1909. During his time as king, he gained possession of the Congo, a very large area of land in central Africa. He was able to achieve this through the Berlin Conferences of 1884 and 1885, a conference between European nations to discuss what areas of Africa each country was entitled to. Unlike other areas of Africa that were colonized by other European nations, the Congo was not treated as a colony, rather as Leopold’s own personal property. His horrific treatment of the people of the Congo is understood now, however the story of Leopold II is one of much propaganda and a look at the concept of rewriting history. Leopold tried to paint himself as a hero who had saved the people of the Congo from slavery and oppression, as well as having “civilized” the region. He did so through the use of things such as monuments and museums, as many people were unaware of the atrocities that were actually happening under his rule in what he called the Congo Free State. The people of Belgium were seeing the wealth that his endeavors in the Congo generated, and how it was able to fund all sorts of projects domestically, however they had no way of knowing about the horrors this wealth was built upon.

Truth Comes to Light

In the 1890s, a man named Joseph Conrad took a trip to the Congo where he was able to witness some of the brutality that those in Europe had thus far been entirely blind to. He wrote a book titled Heart of Darkness which exposed much of this brutality, which in turn helped to unravel the truth. This book has also been cited by Adam Hochschild, the author of the book King Leopold’s Ghost which was published in 1998, and played a role in the public’s perception of Leopold in modern times. As more information about the horrors occurring in the Congo became available to the public, many turned against Leopold II. His public image was becoming increasingly negative and he would die a disgraced king in 1909. That could have been the end of King Leopold II’s legacy, but his nephew and the succeeding king of Belgium, Albert I had other plans.

Albert I led a campaign to restore Leopold’s legacy. He did so through the use of monuments honoring him over the course of his reign to try and change public perception of his disgraced uncle. This included one statue of Leopold that was erected in 1928 in the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa (which at the time was called Leopoldville). This statue was a replica of another statue in Belgium, and was constructed by Thomas Vincotte. After two decades had passed since Leopold II’s reign, there was little resistance to this monument. However, its existence would become a symbol of Leopold’s brutality as well as the countless attempts to build up his legacy through the use of propaganda.

“Statue de Léopold II à Kinshasa“, Steeve P, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Controversy of the Statue

King Leopold II’s reputation has been very different at different points in history. When this monument was first unveiled in the Congo, there was not much contestation, as a lot had happened in the world since Leopold’s reign over the region, although it was not particularly celebrated by the people of the Congo either. For almost four decades, the statue stood in the nation’s capital, a reminder of the horrors the man being commemorated was responsible for. However, as time goes on, views change. As the decades pass there become less and less people that experienced the Congo under Leopold. This may be a large factor in what allowed the statue to remain standing in the very place that Leopold terrorized.

The statue was taken down for the first time in 1967 under the rule of Mobutu Sese Seko, the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the time. This was a part of a policy of his known as authenticité. It was then that the country would be renamed to Zaire along with the renaming of cities within the country, to erase the names left by European colonization. The country would actually be renamed again in 1997 and it would again be called the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This all came after the Congo finally won its independence from Belgium a few years earlier in 1960, and although at this point, not as many people living in the Congo at the time had lived under Leopold II’s rule, it was definitely the popular decision to remove the statue.

The Return of Leopold II

When the statue of Leopold II was removed in 1967 that should have been the end of it. Public opinion of Leopold in the Congo would not have allowed for the statue to return for any reason. In 2005 however, the statue of Leopold II was put back up in Kinshasa, to much public criticism. The idea to put the statue back up was a decision made by Christophe Muzungu who was the Congolese Minister of Culture at the time. Muzungu argued that it should be put back up because he wanted to remind the people of the Congo of their history. He stated that “A people without a history is a people without a soul” (BBC 3). This is an argument that many have used to justify leaving up statues of controversial figures, saying that removing these statues would be erasing history. While many people of the Congo were strongly opposed to the idea of the statue going back up, there were others who actually agreed with Muzungu’s point.

In 2020, statues of Leopold II in Belgium were vandalized following the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. An article from africanews.com asks some Congolese about their thoughts, which helps us to understand their attitudes towards Leopold II and how he was previously commemorated in the Congo. One businessman named Pitchou Kangudie said “This monument should have been vandalized a long time ago because he made the Congolese suffer a lot” (Africanews 4). However, other people had somewhat different views. Another man named Jose Batekele said “Leopold II, for us, is a part of our history, a memory, a reference for our children” (Africanews 5). This is something that makes the dialogue regarding the removal of monuments so interesting. Everyone can be in agreement that Leopold II committed atrocities against the people of the Congo and does not deserve to be honored for it. However, some will argue the these statues should remain standing to serve as a reminder of the past, and the hardships that the people overcame, as well as a lesson for the future.

While some may be able to understand and even agree with Muzungu’s position, the return of the statue in Kinshasa in 2005 was not a popular decision. It was so unpopular that it was subsequently taken down very shortly after being put back up. While the statue may have only stood again for a few hours, it can be very interesting to look at the dialogue that it rekindled, not just having to do with Leopold’s legacy and the atrocities that he committed, but also with the idea of monuments in general. We can argue that monuments should remain standing for educational purposes as well as serving as a symbol of a people’s struggle and suffering in the past. However, a statue depicting King Leopold II in a public space, whether we want it to or not, looks like a symbol of honor and respect for a man who is truly undeserving of such.

The Crumbling Legacy of King Leopold II

In recent years, monuments to Leopold in Belgium have also come under fire by the public. As mentioned before, statues in Brussels have been vandalized by people following the rise of Black Lives Matter. An article from The Brussels Times also details the removal of a bust depicting Leopold II in Ghent, with Belgian politician Astrid De Bruycker saying “The criminal actions of Leopold II, among others, do not deserve tribute” (Johnston 3, The Brussels Times). It seems that as time moves forward, and information about history becomes more readily available to the general public, Leopold II’s legacy is failing, and the propaganda he worked so tirelessly to push during his lifetime has been rendered ineffective at this point.

After the statue on Leopold II was taken down in Kinshasa was taken down for the second time, it was taken to a museum where it still exists today. The general consensus in both Belgium and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo seem to be out of favor of Leopold entirely, although positions on the concept of monuments depicting him vary. This monument of Leopold II that stood in the very place that he harshly exploited during his lifetime, that stood for nearly forty years, then again for one more day, served as a reminder of the suffering that he caused. Many felt insulted by statue’s existence alone, and for good reason, however others found value in the reminder of his rule. The terror of King Leopold II should be known and understood by future generations. How we go about teaching this however, may continue to be disputed.

References

Beurden, Jos Van. “Congo, Belgium, and Leopold’s Troublesome Legacy.” Inconvenient Heritage: Colonial Collections and Restitution in the Netherlands and Belgium, Amsterdam University Press, 2022, pp. 99–115.

Stanard, Matthew G. “Chapter 4 Commemoration and Nostalgia, 1985-1994.” The Leopard, the Lion, and the Cock: Colonial Memories and Monuments in Belgium, Leuven University Press, 2023, pp. 139–180.

Hochschild, Adam. “Adventures in public history.” The Public Historian, vol. 32, no. 4, 2010, pp. 85–95, https://doi.org/10.1525/tph.2010.32.4.85.

Malhotra, Ananya agustin, and Alejandro Posada Téllez. “Leopold II Statue in Kinshasa – – Contested Histories.” Contested Histories, 2022, contestedhistories.org/wp-content/uploads/Democratic-Republic-of-Congo_-Leopold-II-Statue-in-Kinshasa.pdf.

Zeilig, Leo. “Léopold’s Congo.” Lumumba: Africa’s Lost Leader, Haus Publishing, 2008, pp. 1–12.

Times, The Brussels. “Ghent Removes Leopold II Statue: ‘His Criminal Actions Do Not Deserve Tribute.’” The Brussels Times, 18 June 2020, www.brusselstimes.com/117309/ghent-removes-leopold-ii-statue-his-criminal-actions-do-not-deserve-tribute.

“Africa | DR Congo’s Leopold Statue Removed.” BBC News, BBC, 4 Feb. 2005, news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4235237.stm.

AfricaNews. “Good Riddance to Sour History: Congolese on Toppling of Leopold II Statue.” Africanews, Africanews, 12 June 2020, www.africanews.com/2020/06/12/good-riddance-to-sour-history-congolese-on-toppling-of-leopold-ii-statue/.

Hochschild, Adam. “Belgian Congo.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 5 Apr. 2024, www.britannica.com/place/Belgian-Congo.

Manson, Katrina. “Congo Hopes New Museum Can Heal Nation’s Scars.” Reuters, 11 Mar. 2010, www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62A593/.

Historical Monument Case Study on The Korean War Memorial 

The Korean War Memorial is a tremendously underlooked memorial and war that is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It commemorates the courageous sacrifices and experiences of American military personnel during the Korean War which ran from 1950-1953. The overall goal of this case study will break down and analyze the Korean War Memorial from many different perspectives while exploring the purpose, construction, and impact it has on both a historical view and today. The Korean War Memorial was approved in 1986 by congress and designed by an architectural firm called Cooper-Lecky Architects. This memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995, which was the 42nd anniversary of the truce that ended the Korean War. The overall goal of the memorial was to honor nearly 5.8  million American soldiers who served and contributed during the war, with more than 36,000 lost their lives over the course of the war. The message that the memorial sends is a message of honor and recognition for the bravery and sacrifices made. With the 36,000 lost during the war, the memorial emphasizes the importance of  acknowledging their contributions to the war and to the protection of their democracy which should be emphasized in remembrance for eternity. One source that stood out to me in a way that it dove into a little bit more than why it was built and a few more of the reasons as well is the following. “They are approximately eight feet tall. The advance party has 14 Army, 3 Marine, 1 Navy and 1 Air Force members. They represent an ethnic cross section of America with 12 Caucasian, 3 African-American, 2 Hispanic, 1 Asian, 1 Native American. The statues stand in patches of Juniper bushes and are separated by polished granite strips, which give a semblance of order and symbolize the rice paddies of Korea. The troops wear ponchos covering their weapons and equipment.” This quote dives into more about the statues, what each one represents, and the material they were made from.

The 19 statues scattered throughout the memorial’s grounds represent a squad of soldiers in combat gear capturing the essence of the soldiers’ experience during the war. The arrangement of the statues in a formation represents the soldiers unity and teamwork as they navigated through the rough conditions of the battlefield. The black granite wall etched with images of troops and equipment provides a portrayal of diversity, roles, and experiences during the conflict. The pool of Remembrance is a huge piece of the memorial as it lists the names of those who served in the war, died, or went missing during the war. This pool serves as a solemn space for reflection and remembrance. It ultimately highlights the sacrifices made by many and underscores the personal cost of conflict for families and loved ones. The emphasis and inclusion of these names ensures that these names live on and are never forgotten. One source that I find extremely helpful with touching on more of the layout of the memorial stated the following about the memorial; “A grassed mound rises up to meet the outer wall of the memorial, providing visual and acoustic privacy from the nearby traffic intersection. The circular wall forms a protective barrier that separates the open expanse of the park from the more intimate, contemplative space within. Composed of interlocking stone blocks, the gently sloping wall represents the strength of the combined forces that served in Korea” (Sharp, Ward, 2). The broad overview that the two photographers describe about the memorial really gives a true perspective on the memorial itself which is why I selected the source. Overall the memorial shows a sense of gratitude for the service and sacrifices made by these war veterans. It also serves as a reminder about the significant impact of this war even though it is often overlooked and does not receive the attention and recognition it deserves. 

The attention received from others was none other than very positive. Visitors and observers appreciated the thoughtful design and the way it honored each soldier who served in some way. Many Korean War veterans expressed gratitude for recognition of their sacrifices and service noting that the memorial offered a long awaited acknowledgement of their efforts during a conflict that was extremely overlooked. For many veterans, the memorial provided a place for healing and reflection on their experiences during the war. The initial reception of the Korean War Memorial was positive all around with many viewing it as a tremendous tribute to the veterans especially and fallen soldiers of this war. The monuments filled a gap in the commemoration of the conflict, offering a generous amount of space for honoring the memorials of those who served. In general, there has not been any negative thought or hate towards the memorial as said. A great number of visitors express a deep sense of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices and the memorial has become an important site for many ceremonies and events. However, there have been a few small controversies tossed towards the memorial talking about the lack of representation, which I cannot understand why considering the fact that it is extremely detail oriented, and the main focus of the memorial, how it does not fully capture the diverse contributions of all those who participated. Unlike other memorials and monuments, the Korean War Memorial has not faced any problems when it came to being removed. If anything, some talked about expanding and adding even more statues of men who served and honored more names as well. 

In addition to the physical memorial, there are numerous online resources that are very easily obtainable such as: The National Park Service, which provides easy to understand historical context, photographs, and educational material as well. Another is The American Battle Monuments Commission which is very similar to the last source. What I do like about this site a little bit more is that it actually has a column of each of the 19 statues in the memorial, who they are, what their role was, and what weapon they carried. There were also additional links that my professor provided, one in particular that helped me find an easy search on my topic was JSTOR. This was hands down the easiest when it came to looking up specific details about my topic as well as other factors that helped along the way. For those seeking a more in-depth understanding of this war I would definitely recommend the sources I am going to provide and the websites as well. These resources delve into the strategic and political decisions that shaped the war, as well as the personal experiences of those who served as well. By exploring these various resources, students, researchers, and the general public can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and significance of the Korean war. For scholars and researchers, the memorial and the resources also provide a great amount of material that can be used in the near future to study even more various aspects of the war.  With the conclusion of my case study coming to a close, the Korean War Memorial offers such an interesting, compelling, and comprehensive way to study this chapter in American history. By providing a physical tribute to those who served, as well as a wealth of education and research materials, the memorial ensures that the sacrifices and experiences of the Korean War will never be forgotten and will live on forever. I also want to thank my Professor, Professor Wranovix, for providing such an easy search with some of these websites and links. I am extremely happy with the end result of this case study as well as my presentation. I turned a somewhat confusing and very underlooked memorial into a topic that I will forever understand so much better for the rest of my life and I am very appreciative to my professor for teaching me how to access these link, write a successful case study, and make researching so much more easier and fun rather than it being stressful and boring. I do hope this case study was a success to readers in their eyes as well and they gained just as much knowledge and understanding about the memorial as I did. 

Sources and Works Cited 

WARD, NATALIE, and KARL SHARP. “Korean War Memorial.” Landscape Architecture Australia, no. 126, 2010, pp. 56–59. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/45141523. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

Cooper, W. Kent. “Korean War Veterans Memorial Redux.”  Landscape Architecture, vol. 82, no. 12, 1992, pp. 16–17. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44671428. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

Lee, Jung Joon. “No End to the Image War: Photography and the Contentious Memories of the Korean War.” The Journal of Korean Studies (1979-), vol. 18, no. 2, 2013, pp. 337–70. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44080508. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

Design-The Korean War Memorial. Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation. (2019, April 11). https://koreanwarvetsmemorial.org/design/ 

Don Hardesty Photography. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America<http://digital.evpl.org/cdm/ref/collection/evapost/id/103>.

President (1993-2001 : Clinton). National Security Council. (1993 – 2001). Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America<http://catalog.archives.gov/id/40478731>.

“Korean War Memorial.” American Battle Monuments Commission, www.abmc.gov/about-us/history/korean-war-memorial. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America<https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1165968/>.

Millett, Allan. “THE KOREAN WAR: Which One? When?” In from the Cold: Reflections on Australia’s Korean War, edited by JOHN BLAXLAND et al., ANU Press, 2020, pp. 49–60. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv103xdr3.11. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

Young, Marilyn. “Reflections on the Korean War and Its Armistice.” The Journal of Korean Studies (1979-), vol. 18, no. 2, 2013, pp. 403–06. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44080510. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

On June 19th, 2020, the Albert Pike Memorial located in Washington, D.C., was toppled and burned by protestors in front of the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters as a response to the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25th, 2020.

What is the Context of the Monument?

The Albert Pike Memorial was a statue located at the corner of Indiana Avenue and 3rd Street. This monument included Brigadier Confederate Leader Albert Pike, who was also assumed to be a member of the Ku Klux Klan, standing eleven feet tall on a granite pedestal. At the front of the pedestal, a woman who acts as a metaphor for the Goddess of Masonry holds the banner of the Scottish Rite.

Brigadier General Albert Pike statue in Washington, D.C., Cliff, CC BY 2.0

Albert Pike’s memorial has stirred opposition ever since it was planned due to his suspected ties with the Ku Klux Klan and being affiliated with the Confederacy. Even if Pike wasn’t involved with the Klan, he still believed that races should not mix. The Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite constructed this statue to commemorate Pike’s Freemason days and to recognize his influence over the Masons in the Southern Jurisdiction. Surprisingly, there was no connection between this memorial and Albert Pike’s time as a Confederate general and brigadier.

Who Was Albert Pike?

Albert Pike was an American author, poet, orator, editor, lawyer, jurist, and general in the Confederate States Army. From 1864 to 1865, he held the position of associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court while living in exile. In the Trans-Mississippi Theater, he had previously commanded the District of Indian Territory as a senior general in the Confederate States Army. As a result, he was appointed the Confederacy’s commissioner of Indian affairs and later promoted to brigadier general. From 1859 until 1891, Pike held the position of Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite in the Southern Jurisdiction, USA.

“Pike, Albert,” Matthew Benjamin Brady / Levin Corbin Handy, Public Domain

Albert Pike also founded the Know-Nothing Party in 1850, which promoted anti-immigration policies and claimed that using slaves was more “efficient than farm labor.” It took him just over two years as a Confederate commander before he was accused of embezzling money and allowing his men to slaughter Union soldiers after a battle in 1862.

How Does Freemasonry Corelate With Pike?

The analogy of the Goddess of Masonry figure on the memorial relates to Albert Pike’s connection with the Scottish Rite. Pike happened to be the Master Builder of the fraternal organization within Freemasonry, and was responsible for a great majority of its current progress. He became a Mason in 1850, and became very active in the York Rite. He received the 32 degrees of Masonry in 1853 and was immediately interested in every aspect of the Scottish Rite branch of Freemasonry.

Within the Scottish Rite branch of Freemasonry, a Freemason who has reached a noteworthy milestone in their journey is known as a 32nd degree Mason.

“When I am dead, I wish my monument to be builded only in the hearts and memories of my Brethren of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, and my name to be remembered by them in every country, no matter what language men speak there, when the light of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite shall shine and its Oracles of Truth and Wisdom be reverently listened to.”

Albert Pike, 33*, Sovereign grand commander, s.j., 1859-91

Pike’s philosophy and revisions have inspired Supreme Councils worldwide, and his writings were noted as the most astute and profound in the history of Freemasonry.

What Was the Background of the Statue?

The memorial itself depicted Albert Pike as a Freemason, not as a soldier, which was why permission was granted by Congress for the statue to be erected. The memorial was initially budgeted $5,000 to be made by Italian-American sculptor Gaetano Trentanove, but it ended up costing three times that amount, according to the records of the Scottish Rite.

To the Freemasons of the Scottish Rite, Albert Pike was a hero. It wasn’t until years later when the Freemasons found out about all of the things Pike has done in his lifetime. In fact, the Freemasons supported for the statue’s removal after Albert Pike’s wrongdoings came to light.

“That Albert Pike statue is up here only because the Freemasons erected it, and Albert Pike was a Freemason. To the credit of the Freemasons, they joined me in wanting the statue to be taken down and I give them all due credit to that.”

Congresswoman Eleanor holmes norton

A rally to remove the statue took place in front of the memorial on August 17th, 2017, which was three years before the statue was toppled and ignited aflame.

Communities have united for years to demand the removal of this statue from the district. People from many backgrounds have come together in response to the destruction of the Albert Pike Memorial, making history that will go on forever.

References

“Albert Pike Memorial (1901-2020) – Albert Pike Memorial Was the Only Statue of a Confederate General in DC until It Was Torn down by Protesters in June 2020.” DC Historic Sites. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kelly, John. “Why Is Confederate General Albert Pike Memorialized at Judiciary Square? – The Washington Post.” The Washington Post. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

“Brigadier General Albert Pike Memorial (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

“Albert Pike Memorial.” Wikiwand. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Cioffi, Chris. “Toppled, Warehoused, Waiting: Confederate Statue Still in Limbo in DC.” Roll Call, 18 Nov. 2020.

“Albert Pike.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Apr. 2024.

Kelly, John. “Why Is Confederate General Albert Pike Memorialized at Judiciary Square? – The Washington Post.” The Washington Post. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Tokens, Masonic. “About Albert Pike.” MASONIC TOKENS, 10 July 2017.

Hoyos, Arturo de. “Albert Pike’s The Book of the Words.” Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., U.S.A. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

“What Is the Supreme Council?” Scottish Rite, NMJ. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Schultz, Kyley. “Who Was Confederate General Albert Pike, and Why Was His Statue in DC in the First Place?” WUSA9, 20 June 2020. Accessed 22 Apr. 2024.