By ashley nash baltazar
After aiding the US in achieving its victory over the British during the American Revolution, France celebrated their alliance with a gift – the Statue of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty was presented to the US Minister of France in 1884 before it was disassembled and sent to America in 1885. Upon its arrival in New York, the landmark was well received.
Since then, it has helped maintain the French-American alliance up until recent political developments. Here's why a representative of the French government wants the statue back.
Recent political developments initiated by the Trump Administration have caused a French politician to respond. Raphael Glucksmann made his comments at a rally.
As co-president of the left-wing Place Publique party, he now associates the administration with fascism and tyranny. America's alliance with Russia also inspired his comments.
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fired back. She said Glucksmann should be more grateful as an alliance with the US is why France speaks French and not German.
Glucksmann responded on Twitter, prompting reactions regarding France's relationship with Haiti, proving neither country is exempt from fascism.
This conversation about freedom sheds light on each country's track record regarding diversity. Still, there's a lot to celebrate on both sides of the Atlantic. Here are some historical sites to visit in France and America.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most well-known monuments in France. It honors soldiers who fought and died during the 1792 war against Britain, Russia and Spain.
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair to highlight French industrial advancement. It also notes the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
Construction of the Lincoln Memorial lasted from 1914 to 1922. It honors former president Abraham Lincoln and is located near a monument to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.