Edouard de Laboulaye’s vision for a monument, later known as the Statue of Liberty, stemmed from a desire to commemorate freedom and democracy in the United States. His proposal, made in 1865, aimed to highlight the enduring principles of liberty and democracy, particularly in the face of France’s divided sentiments toward monarchy and Enlightenment ideals.

Laboulaye, a French political thinker and abolitionist, believed that by celebrating the United States’ achievements, France could be inspired to pursue its own democracy. He engaged influential figures in France, including the sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, who shared his enthusiasm for the project and was eventually chosen as the sculptor for the monument.

The concept of “Liberty” in the 19th century was contentious, often associated with upheaval and revolution. Laboulaye and Bartholdi intended their monument, named “Liberty Enlightening the World,” to symbolize illumination and progress rather than inciting rebellion. They envisioned the statue as a beacon of peaceful, lawful guidance, transcending political ideologies and representing universal values of liberty, justice, and democracy.

As the Statue of Liberty project materialized in 1871, Laboulaye faced a critical moment in French politics. An uprising in Paris led by working and middle-class members was violently suppressed by the government. Despite his advocacy for democratic change, Laboulaye opposed violent means and faced criticism for supporting the government’s actions against the uprising.

For Laboulaye, the creation of the Statue of Liberty presented an opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to liberalism and democracy. It allowed him to honor the success of liberty in the United States while hoping to inspire the French populace to strive for similar ideals, albeit through peaceful and democratic avenues.