Ep 2. Statue of Liberty

In the second episode of the first season of Ken Burns: America, the focus is on the iconic Statue of Liberty and what it represents to Americans and immigrants alike. The episode delves into the history of how the statue came to be, starting from the idea of French artist Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi to gift a statue to the United States as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.

The episode includes interviews with historians and experts, as well as archival footage and photographs that take viewers through the process of building and transporting the statue to its final destination in New York Harbor. It also sheds light on the complex political and cultural significance of the statue, with some Americans viewing it as a beacon of hope and freedom while others criticize it for its connections to colonialism and slavery.

The episode explores the various ways the Statue of Liberty has been used over time, from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's speeches during World War II to Emma Lazarus's famous poem "The New Colossus," which contains the iconic line "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." The episode also touches on the ways in which the statue became a symbol of the American Dream and the immigrant experience, with countless newcomers viewing it as a gateway to a better life in the United States.

Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive look at the history of the Statue of Liberty, the role it has played in American culture and politics, and the ways in which it continues to inspire people around the world to this day. It presents a fascinating exploration of one of the country's most recognizable symbols, showcasing both its strengths and its flaws and prompting viewers to consider what it means to be American.