Instead of being melted down, this broken bell became a powerful symbol of freedom. During the 1800s, it became (incorrectly) linked to the War for Independence, a prophetic symbol for freeing the slaves, and a means to help unify the broken nation after the Civil War. During the 1900s, the bell was used to gain support for causes where freedom was threatened, such as the Civil Rights movement and World War 2.  It continues to encourage those seeking freedom throughout the world today.

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