Answer: France.
Some extra relevant information:
The Statue of Liberty, one of the most iconic symbols of freedom and democracy, was a gift from the people of France to the American people. This grand gesture of friendship and solidarity was intended to commemorate the centennial of the United States’ independence and to celebrate the historical alliance between the two nations.
The idea for the statue was conceived by French political thinker and abolitionist, Edouard de Laboulaye. Laboulaye envisioned a monumental statue that would serve as a symbol of liberty and enlighten the world. He shared his vision with French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who took up the task of designing the colossal statue.
Bartholdi worked tirelessly on the project, creating a statue that was both aesthetically stunning and imbued with profound symbolism. The statue, officially named “Liberty Enlightening the World,” depicts a robed female figure holding a torch in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence in her left hand. At her feet, broken chains symbolize the abolition of slavery.
To finance the construction of the statue, funds were raised from both French and American sources. The French people, through various fundraising efforts, contributed a significant portion of the required funds. Gustave Eiffel, the renowned engineer behind the Eiffel Tower, also played a crucial role in designing the iron framework for the statue.
After years of meticulous work and planning, the statue was disassembled and shipped in 350 individual pieces across the Atlantic Ocean. It arrived in New York Harbor in June 1885, where it was reassembled on Liberty Island. On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially unveiled in a dedication ceremony attended by thousands of people, including political dignitaries from both countries.
Since then, the Statue of Liberty has stood as a symbol of hope and freedom, welcoming millions of immigrants to the United States. It has become an iconic landmark, representing the values of liberty, democracy, and opportunity that America cherishes.
The gift of the Statue of Liberty from France to the United States serves as a lasting reminder of the enduring bond between the two nations and the ideals they share. It stands tall as a testament to the power of friendship and serves as an inspiration to people around the world who long for freedom and equality.