Why the U.S. Chose the Bald Eagle as a National Symbol — Simple Explanation for Students

The United States picked the bald eagle because people thought it showed the ideas they wanted the country to stand for. Here are the main reasons, in simple words:

• Looks strong and noble. The eagle looks big, proud, and powerful — a good image for a nation.
• Native to North America. The bird lives in this land, so it felt like an American symbol.
• Represents strength and bravery. Eagles are strong hunters and seem fearless.
• Flies high — like freedom. Its high flight stood for liberty and independence.
• Easy to draw on seals and coins. The eagle’s shape is bold and works well on official pictures.
• Shows lasting qualities. People thought it stood for endurance and honor.

Some leaders, like Benjamin Franklin, preferred the turkey, but officials chose the bald eagle for the Great Seal in 1782. So the bald eagle became the country’s symbol because it looked right and stood for important ideas such as strength, freedom, and courage.