Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
Giovanni da Verrazzano discovered New York Harbor in 1524. An Italian, Verrazano was in France’s employ when he found the harbor. He was trying to find the Northwest Passage from Europe to Asia. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is named after him.
Louisiana Purchase
Louisiana Purchase was finalized in 1803, doubling the size of the United States. The agreement included all the land west of the Mississippi to the continental divide of the Rocky Mountains. Children could learn more at: Louisiana Purchase.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico and the United States. The Battle of Puebla took place in 1862. General Ignacio Zaragoza led his Mexican army, outnumbered three to one, against Napoleon III’s French forces. Zaragoza won. Speeches, festivals, and parades are held nationwide. Young children could read Cinco de Mayo by Mary Dodson Wade. Idea: Children could have a Cinco de Mayo celebration. A piñata should be included.
Charles Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh started his solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927. He left Long Island, New York, in the Spirit of St. Louis at 7:52 AM. He arrived at Paris, France, at 10:24 PM on May 21. “Lucky Lindbergh” won a $25,000 prize for his efforts. He instantly became a national hero. Idea: Children could read more about his life and the fame he faced.
Hundred Years’ War began in 1369 and ended in 1453. The English and the French actually fought a number of different battles over the control of France. Idea: Children could find out who won the Hundred Years’ War and what part Joan of Arc played in it.
1868 Boneshaker
First bicycle race was held in Paris, France, in 1868. The 1.2 km race was at the Parc De Saint-Cloud. James Moore, an Englishman, won the race on a wooden bike with iron tires inlaid with ball bearings.
Berlin Airlift
Berlin airlift began in 1948. After World War II, Germany was divided into four parts. The Soviet Union controlled the portion that held Berlin. Berlin itself had been divided into four parts. Hoping to create a blockade, the Soviet Union denied access to the city. The United States, France, and Great Britain responded, via “Operation Vittles,” by airlifting food and other supplies into Berlin. Over 2,300,000 tons of supplies were lifted in via 277,000 flights. The airlift lasted until May 12, 1949.
Flag of Madagascar
Madagascar celebrates Independence Day. It became free from French rule in 1960. It is an island, the fourth largest island in the world, off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is slightly smaller than Texas. It exports coffee, vanilla, and cloves, and about 23 million people live there. Antananarivo is the capital. Children can learn more at: Madagascar.
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France in 1884. The statue was presented to Levi P. Morton, the US ambassador to France, in Paris. The statue was then taken apart and shipped to the United States. The statue reached our shores on June 17, 1885. However, the pedestal was not yet ready. The statue was formally revealed on October 28, 1886. Children can learn more at an excellent site: Statue of Liberty.
Flag of France
France celebrates Fête de la Fédération, also known as Bastille Day. In 1789 the Bastille fell to the rioting people, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. France is a bit smaller than Texas, and the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay, and the English Channel all border the country. Almost 66 million people live in France. Paris is the capital. Idea: Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities gives great insight into the French Revolution. Children could learn more at: France.