Final answer:
The Statue of Liberty was in financial jeopardy due to insufficient funds for its pedestal, which was overcome by Joseph Pulitzer's fundraising campaign. Its brown color changed to blue-green over time because of oxidation. The statue symbolizes liberty and has been central in representing American ideals during historical events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of freedom and opportunity, faced a significant challenge after it was delivered to New York City from France. The danger it faced was financial, as there was not enough money to complete its pedestal. To solve this, publisher Joseph Pulitzer launched a fundraising campaign in his newspaper, The World, urging the American people to donate money towards the pedestal's construction. Pulitzer's campaign was a success, and the needed funds were raised through small donations from a large number of people.
As for the physical appearance of the Statue of Liberty, when it first arrived, its color was a shiny brown due to its copper exterior. Over time, exposure to air and moisture led to a series of oxidation-reduction reactions, turning the copper first to copper(I) oxide, which is red, and then to copper(II) oxide, which is black. Eventually, this resulted in the formation of a blue-green patina, giving the statue its distinct coloration we recognize today.
The discussion of the Statue of Liberty and its significance carries a deeper meaning, especially in the context of American history. It has become a global symbol of liberty and the pursuit of freedom, representing the ideals and struggles for which many battles, both literal and metaphorical, have been fought, as illustrated by the Liberty Loan Act and significant historical events such as the American Revolution and the September 11 attacks.