Charles Lindbergh and His Contribution to Aviation During the 1920s

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Lindbergh Does It! To Paris in 33 1/2 Hours; Flies 1,000 Miles Through Snow and Sleet; Cheering French Carry Him Off Field.'' (James, 1927, p.1). The newspaper boldly announced Charles Lindbergh's astonishing achievement throughout the country. Young man Charles Lindbergh from Detroit, Michigan made the first transatlantic, solo flight from New York to Paris of 3,600 miles in 33 and a half hours. Charles Lindbergh's extraordinary success catapulted the curiosity of millions of Americans in air travel. On the front page of The New York Times Edwin L. James also wrote: “harbor craft, factories, fire sirens, and radio carry messages of the flier's victory throughout the city-Theaters halt while audiences cheer.” All Americans were awakened with the victorious news and with what it would mean to the world. After this significant day in history, thanks to Charles Lindbergh, nothing would ever be the same in the world of aviation. This man, an “American Idol” forever changed the way people viewed flight, impacted companies, the country, and even the world as a whole with his talent, intelligence, and bravery. During the 1920s decade he became the hero of both America and Europe and greatly impressed, motivated, and awed thousands of inspired people.

It was the year 1919 when Raymond Orteig – a hotel owner- offered a $25,000 prize to the first successful pilot, or group of pilots, in the flight between New York and Paris. By the year 1923 the prize still lay unclaimed and the only attempt was a nonstop flight of 2,500 miles from San Diego to New York. Being the courageous and adventurous soul he is, Charles Lindbergh desired to take the challenge as soon as he discovered this news (Hanson, 1999, p._?_). Having much experience wit...

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