Final answer:
The sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, Bartholdi, conceived it as a symbol of freedom and liberty. It stands as an emblem of hope for immigrants and represents America's commitment to these values, despite the challenges newcomers often faced, such as prejudice and discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, imagined it as a grand symbol of freedom and liberty, concepts that were vital to the American Revolution and the framing of the Constitution. The statue stands not only as an iconic structure but also embodies the ideals of freedom, serving as a beacon of hope for millions of immigrants who saw Lady Liberty as a welcoming sign upon their arrival in New York Harbor. Indeed, the statue, also known as “Liberty Enlightening the World,” was meant to represent the light of liberty spreading throughout the world. Presented to the United States by France in 1886, it has since become an enduring symbol of the country's values and a representation of new beginnings for many who came to its shores seeking opportunity.
During its unveiling, President Grover Cleveland declared the statue as a space where liberty had made its home and emphasized the country's commitment to uphold the values that it stood for. The physical presence of the Statue of Liberty, as well as its ideational significance, played an influential role in shaping the perceptions of America, both domestically and abroad. Although immigrants arriving in the United States faced challenges such as prejudice and discrimination, the statue often signified the potential for a new life free from the constraints they had previously known.