I was discussing a Roman victory column with a friend last night that depicted Roman soldiers carrying a giant menorah, the spoils of a war against the Jews.
We then discussed what might go on the equivalent monuments set up by American presidents. Although many of these ideas are post-1900, the tradition would probably need to be set up pre-1900 (possibly during the early days of the Republic, when classicism was much stronger) in order to stick around to the present day.
1. Washington-The suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion
2. Jefferson-The Barbary Pirates. Perhaps some material pertaining to the Louisiana Purchase as well, since this could be construed as a conquest even though it was done without war.
3. Polk-Some scenes from the Mexican War. Perhaps the fall of Mexico City or the hanging of the "San Patricios."
4. Lincoln-Various scenes from the Civil War. Perhaps the moment where he went into Richmond and sat at Jefferson Davis's desk.
5. McKinley-The Battle of Manila Bay
6. FDR-Something from D-Day or the Battle of the Bulge.
7. Lyndon Johnson-Tet. It was a military victory, although a political and propaganda defeat.
8. George H.W. Bush-Lots and lots of surrendering Iraqi soldiers
9. Clinton-The NATO bombing of the Bosnian Serb army and/or the retreat of the Yugoslav army from Kosovo.
10. George W. Bush-The hanging of Saddam Hussein
11. Obama-The sniping of the pirates, perhaps something to do with the current Afghan offensive.
We then discussed what might go on the equivalent monuments set up by American presidents. Although many of these ideas are post-1900, the tradition would probably need to be set up pre-1900 (possibly during the early days of the Republic, when classicism was much stronger) in order to stick around to the present day.
1. Washington-The suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion
2. Jefferson-The Barbary Pirates. Perhaps some material pertaining to the Louisiana Purchase as well, since this could be construed as a conquest even though it was done without war.
3. Polk-Some scenes from the Mexican War. Perhaps the fall of Mexico City or the hanging of the "San Patricios."
4. Lincoln-Various scenes from the Civil War. Perhaps the moment where he went into Richmond and sat at Jefferson Davis's desk.
5. McKinley-The Battle of Manila Bay
6. FDR-Something from D-Day or the Battle of the Bulge.
7. Lyndon Johnson-Tet. It was a military victory, although a political and propaganda defeat.
8. George H.W. Bush-Lots and lots of surrendering Iraqi soldiers
9. Clinton-The NATO bombing of the Bosnian Serb army and/or the retreat of the Yugoslav army from Kosovo.
10. George W. Bush-The hanging of Saddam Hussein
11. Obama-The sniping of the pirates, perhaps something to do with the current Afghan offensive.