"The Presidential Memorials" is a fifty minute documentary of the history of the Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson memorials. From design competitions to fund raising and construction, this tape traces the obstacles that were overcome to construct the monuments. The role of each of the presidents honored by these monuments in the creation of our nation also is discussed.

Vocabulary

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• Thomas Jefferson
• Henry Bacon
• Abraham Lincoln
• Daniel French
• John Russell Pope
• cynicism
• Warren Harding
• partisanship
• eulogy
• the "Know Nothings"
• posterity

Discussion Questions

1. What purposes do Presidential Memorials serve? Why do many people think that spending money on these grand monuments is worthwhile?
2. Why did it take so long for Congress to become interested in building a memorial to Thomas Jefferson?
3. Which Presidential Memorial resembles the Greek Parthenon? Which Presidential Memorial resembles the Roman Pantheon? Can you think of any reasons why the architects of these monuments would choose designs that reflect the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome?
4. Our Presidential Memorials have often been the site of mass marches, protest rallies and demonstrations. Name several issues that have drawn thousands of people together at the memorials. Why do Americans choose to gather in large numbers at the Presidential Memorials?
5. Which 20th century president made the construction of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial a priority? Why did this president feel so strongly that Jefferson deserved a monument in his honor?
6. How long did it take to build the Washington Monument? What were some of the obstacles that the builders had to overcome? How did they overcome these obstacles?
7. What ideals do these memorials represent?

Research Projects

1. Design a memorial to someone you admire in history. After you the monument, write an explanation of how your design recalls the best aspects of this person's life.
2. Imagine you are at the Lincoln Memorial early one morning. As you stand before the statue of Lincoln, it comes to life. Write a dialogue of your conversation with Lincoln. What questions would you ask him? What questions would he ask you?
3. Write an essay defending, or attacking, the statement, "The construction and maintenance of Presidential Memorials is money well spent." Defend your position with three or more arguments.