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Francis Hopkinson's 

Great Seal(1780)

Martin Demirchyan

Period 4

Historical Context

Francis Hopkinson was chosen as the second committee to work on the Great Seal of the United States by the Great Seal committee. The United States had been fighting for their independence in the American Revolution during this time which was why this seal design was very important. Francis Hopkinson had a lot of pressure on him making this Seal because he had to make a design that represents the United States. This Seal was very important because it would show the world what America stands for. The Americans and the people all around the world would see how America represents itself with the use of this Great Seal. I believe that this image is used to send the message that America is a country that is for both war and peace. America is a strong and independent country that can make good decisions for itself.

Francis Great Seal.jpg

The stars are used to show the unity of our great country.

The angel is used as a representation of the nicer side of America that is more for peace.

This shield in the middle has 13 stripes used to represent the first 13 colonies of America. 

Hopkinson uses this message to explain how he believes that America is "For love or for war."

The soldier is put here with his weapon to show the more mean side of America and how they are ready for war.

Fourth of July Pin

Being an American is something that has had a different meaning over the years. The main definition that the word American has had over all of the years is a person who has the rights of freedom and equality. All Americans are able to vote and also have freedom of speech. They are all equal no matter what background they come from. All Americans also have a love for their country and respect for their fellow Americans. Out of all of the different definitions used to describe the American people, this definition does the best job of explaining what an American is.

References

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