AMERICAN SYMBOLS

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDECE

This famous document declared the freedom of the original 13 colonies from British rule.

A large part of it was written by Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration stated that the colonies were now free and officially named the United States of America.

This historical document said that ‘all men are created equal and all people have the right to ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

THE INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Congress on the fourth of July,1776. This day is now celebrated in the USA as Independence Day, or the Fourth of July. It’s the most important holiday in America and there are parades, picnics and fireworks all over the country.

THE LIBERTY BELL

The Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom. It was made in London and taken to Philadelphia in 1752 where it cracked when it was first used. It was repaired, and when the Declaration of Independence was signed, it rang out the day.In1976 it was placed in a special case of glass and steel behind Independence Hall.

STARS AND STRIPES

The flag of the US has 13 stripes for 13 original colonies and 50 stars for 50 states.

American citizens and immigrants sometimes recite the pledge of Allegiance to the flag; ‘I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United states of America and to the Republic for which it stands’…

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

The Statue of Liberty was a present to the people of the United States from the people of France.

It was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartoldie and brought to America in1884.

The Symbol of Hope The Statue of Liberty

stands on liberty Island in the middle of New York harbour. It has become a symbol of hope and freedom and was the first American sight seen by many people who went to the US for a better life.

The Statue is 46 metres high and weighs 204 tons.

THE AMERICAN EAGLE

The American Eagle is national symbol of the United Kingdom. It is also called the ‘bald eagle and it appears on the Great Seal of the United States and on some coins.

UNCLE SAM

Uncle Sam has the initials US and is an unofficial symbol of the US government. He first appeared in the 1960s on posters asking people to join the army, pointing his finger and saying’ Uncle Sam needs you!’

The DONKEY AND THE ELEPHANT

The Donkey and the Elephant first appeared in political cartoons as symbols of the two main political parties in the USA - the Democrats and the Republicans.

. The Republicans tend to be more conservatives and to have more support among the upper classes.

The Democrats tend to be more liberal and to have more support among the working classes.

Could you answer some questions?

1. What did The Declaration of Independence declare?2. Why is Independence Day celebrated on the 4th of July?3. What kind of symbol is The Liberty Bell?4. How many stripes and stars are there on the American flag?5. What do they mean?6. What country presented The Statue of Liberty to the people of

America?7. What bird is the national symbol of the US?8. Is Uncle Sam an unofficial symbol of the US government or the

American President?9. What political parties are there in the USA?10. Do they have any symbols?

The End

Resources• http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html • http://pucharpoludnia.pl/independence-day-pics-for-facebook• http://www.nyctourist.com/liberty1.htm • http://chrisabraham.com/2010/07/04/happy-independence-day-amer

ica/• http://www.swiatzabawekmiki.pl/american-flag-eagle-picture• http://www.reactioner.com/articles/918.html• http://www.clipartof.com/portfolio/misterelements/illustration/cute-

blue-baby-elephant-13118.html• http://kick-ozz.viewy.ru/ • http://www.полина-игоревна.рф/forum/59-130-2 • http://demotivators.ru/posters/tag/статуя/ • Speak Out № 3(67) 2008г.