Great Seal of the United States

Definition

The Great Seal of the United States is a symbol of national sovereignty and unity, used to authenticate important documents. It features an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, which represent war and peace respectively, signifying the country’s commitment to both defense and diplomacy. This seal serves as a powerful emblem of American identity and ideals, connecting deeply to the revolutionary spirit found in both France and America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Seal was adopted on June 20, 1782, after several years of design and revisions by various committees.
2. The eagle on the seal holds 13 arrows, representing the original 13 colonies, and an olive branch with 13 leaves symbolizing peace.
3. The motto 'E Pluribus Unum', meaning 'Out of Many, One', reflects the unification of the separate states into one nation.
4. The Great Seal is used on official documents such as treaties and passports to signify their authenticity and importance.
5. In addition to its official use, the Great Seal has become an enduring symbol of American patriotism and democratic values.

Review Questions

• How does the imagery of the Great Seal reflect American ideals during the Revolutionary period?
  • The imagery of the Great Seal captures essential American ideals by showcasing an eagle representing strength and freedom alongside symbols of war and peace. The eagle's posture, clutching arrows and an olive branch, highlights the dual commitment to defense while seeking diplomatic solutions. This reflects the revolutionary spirit where both independence and cooperation were vital in shaping a new nation.
• Analyze how the Great Seal serves as a connection between the American Revolution and contemporary American identity.
  • The Great Seal acts as a bridge between the ideals of the American Revolution and contemporary American identity by embodying principles such as unity, strength, and resilience. Its continued use in government documents reinforces its relevance in modern society. As citizens engage with this symbol in everyday life, it fosters a collective understanding of shared values rooted in historical struggles for independence and liberty.
• Evaluate the significance of the Great Seal within the broader context of revolutionary iconography in both France and America.
  • The Great Seal holds significant importance within revolutionary iconography as it symbolizes not just American independence but also reflects broader themes of nationhood found in both America and France. Both nations employed symbols to rally support for their respective revolutions, using imagery that resonated deeply with their populations. By analyzing these parallels, we see how such symbols like the Great Seal contribute to defining national identities while promoting unity amidst diverse cultural backgrounds.

Related terms

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, crucial in understanding how images convey deeper meanings in revolutionary contexts.

Eagle: A bird that serves as the national emblem of the United States, symbolizing strength, freedom, and independence.

Revolutionary War: The conflict between the Thirteen American Colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783, leading to the founding of the United States.