The Bald Eagle as Symbol of American Liberty

The Bald Eagle as Symbol of American Liberty

This video expresses an aspect of American liberty as the American bald eagle is the national emblem of the United States. This was chosen 20th June 1782 due to its long life, great strength and majestic strength. It was also believed back in 1782 that the bald eagle only existed in America, however they can be found in northern Mexico and Canada. The reason to why the eagle is used as the national emblem is that one of the first battles of the Revolution the noise awoke the sleeping eagles in which they flew from their nests and circled over the fighting men whilst raucously calling. "They are shrieking for Freedom" said the Patriots. 

After gaining independence the seal of the United States was designed and issued in Pennsylvania in 1782. The bald eagle was chosen to represent the values of this new nation as it embodies the themes of liberty and freedom.

However Benjamin Franklin was against the bald eagle being the national bird as he described it as "a bird of bad moral character" in that it is very lazy. He wanted the turkey to be the symbol of America as he saw it more as a respectable bird. 

  

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