Washington DC, Application Essay Example

What were the problems in realizing the grandiose plans for Washington DC designed by Pierre L’Enfant?

While the plans of L’Enfant were grand and specific for the creation of a central city that would hold the reputation of the entire nation, it was deemed impractical by some of the commissioners including Jefferson. Along with this, Benjamin Ellicott intends to change and revise the said plan along with his brothers through creating relative changes that are more practical.

What role was Washington DC supposed to play in our national life? What elements have been designed to heighten nationalistic feeling?

It was supposed to be the pride of the nation. While it is not expected to provide the overall value for historical distinction as this would be distributed to other states as well, it is supposed to be the seat of the president thus making it an important mark in America’s reputation to its people and the world. The president’s house likely serves this account sending a particular feeling of nationalism thus imposing loyalty among the people towards the government and their leader.

What elements in Washington DC before the 20th century took away from that sense of national pride?

During the late 19^th century, the city was marred by slum areas and randomly created buildings in several locations in the city. Even transportation routes were misplaced alongside public areas which were supposed to be free from such massive disturbances.

Why was it important after 1898 that Washington DC reflect our national power?

It was during this time in history that America takes pride in overthrowing the Spanish power over some of its particular colonies around the Pacific. Obtaining such victory over a powerful nation simply needed to be given attention to, hence making Washington DC the center of attention as it represents the overall reputation of the American nation.

What was the plan that Daniel Burnham and others came up for that reshaped Washington DC? What more or less was it based upon? How successful was it?

Putting up the Union Building and the National Mall were among the master plans created by Daniel Burnham in reshaping Washington DC. Bringing both prestige and character to the city, these establishments are supposed to give specific level of respect to the national value that Washington DC is expected to reflect as part of its value.

How did urban renewal shape Washington DC after World War II?

The City Beautiful Movement of 1900s specifically provided Washington DC the grandeur that it needed to provide a specific distinct separation as to what it was before and what the country is headed towards which includes progress and development; a move towards getting up as a nation amidst all the problems left out by the war.

What systems (transit, housing, etc.) have been put in place in order to create a new kind of Washington DC?

Public mass transportations were specifically defined and created to aid the city’s developing course. To make going to work easier, there have been housing or residential zones placed near business zones allowing workers to walk to their work areas giving them a better chance to pay less for transportation and use their earnings on other matters that would boost the city’s economy in a gradual manner.

What kinds of problems have emerged in Washington DC in recent times? What strengths does the national capital have compared to other cities?

Lower number of immigrants compared to New York and other neighboring cities that Washington is connected with specifically pose problems in increasing Washington DC’s capability of developing towards a more defined condition of urban operation. Nevertheless, unlike other cities, it is able to adjust its operations as it is one of the most visited areas in the US where people are actually interested in spending money thus increasing the revenue of the city as well.

What is the new vision for Washington DC as contrasted with the grandiose plans of the past?

A representation of what US is about and what it stands for, the emergence of more historical buildings and properly defined public areas in the city are expected to give a new value to DC’s current reputation to the public and in the international scene as well. Based on the grand plan of making it a valuable picture of the overall character of America and its people, this city is expected to host the different newer plans that define the path of progress the country is to take into account especially involving economic and social progress.

Do you think that Washington DC is a proper capital for our nation?

Yes. Besides the fact that it is not highly populated compared to New York and Chicago, it is able to hold the country’s leader under proper protection in case particular international emergencies occur. For the sake of national value, the city’s plan specifically provides a great distinction on how DC characterizes the overall worth of America as a powerful nation in the current international connection that the country has with other nations.

VIDEO Questions

What are the lessons to be learned from this quick tour of the capital?

The video shows the part of history that makes Washington DC the most practical capital city chosen to represent the country. It provides a good sense of reasoning as to how the plan for the city actually defines the worth that it is supposed to represent the American region with, in contrast with the other countries surrounding it; as well as creating a definitive value on how the people of America are to be affected by the city’s overall reputation.

How does the physical quality of the place contribute to a sense of national importance?

Located along Potomac River in the East Coast, the city is able to provide a good source of protection to the country’s leader. The national importance it proposes could be specifically noted alongside the distinction of its physical quality being in the middle of Maryland and Virginia which protects its boundaries from particular disturbances which basically is a factor defining the constricts of national security.