The Conquer of the Air

America's Roaring Twenties saw one of the most radical changes to the American lifestyle. It was an era of mass consumerism, where almost everything was bought on credit. It was a time of artistic innovation, with the rise of the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz-Age. It was a time of accomplishments, as historical figures such as Duke Ellington, Albert Einstein, Al Capone, and Charlie Chaplin made their mark on Earth. And among these people was a young aviator known as Charles Lindbergh, who became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Born on February 4, 1902, in Detroit, Michigan, Charles Lindbergh was not destined to be a pilot at birth. He was the son of a lawyer and a congressman and grew up on a small farm in Minnesota. It wasn't until after finishing his mechanical engineering studies at the University of Wisconsin did he take up his passion for flight. In 1923, Lindbergh started his aviation career as a "barnstormer", where he would perform breathtaking tricks in front of crowds at fairs or other events. In 1924, he joined the U.S. Army Air Service, working as an "airmail pilot" between St. Louis and Chicago. 

Around this time, Lindbergh heard news of a $25,00 Orteig Prize, which would be awarded to anyone who would be able to fly nonstop from New York to Paris. Supported financially by a group of St. Louis businessmen, he joined the competition. Just days before he planned to take off on his journey, he heard news of the death of Charles Nungesser and Francois Coli, two highly decorated French pilots who were also competing for this prize. Despite these setbacks, Lindbergh never once backed down from his ambitions. With the experience of 7,189 flights and 1,790 hours of flight time. Lindbergh felt that he was ready for such a challenge. 

On May 20, Lindbergh took off from New York in what was later called the Spirit of St. Louis. His plane was equipped with a single-engine and several extra fuel tanks, with one being in the front of his cabin, forcing him to see through a periscope. Accompanying him was a compass, drift sight, speed timer, and an eight-day clock. Others noted how he came off the plane with nothing but a razor and his passport in his pocket. After 3,600 miles and 33 and a half hours of flight, Lindbergh safely landed in Paris and was soon surrounded by a cheering mob. From that day on, Charles Lindbergh was given the title of "The Conquer of the Air." 

Upon his arrival, Lindbergh was greeted by the U.S. Ambassador to France, Myron T. Herrick, who publicized him to the people of France, Belgium, and Great Britain, not to mention the millions of celebrating Americans who heard of his success. He was also given a congratulating telegraph from President Calvin Coolidge himself, who would later bring Lindbergh and his plane back to the US with the help of the U.S.S. Memphis cruiser. At the White House, Lindbergh was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as the Gold Hubbard Medal of the National Geographic Society, as well as promoted to a colonel in the Air Corps Reserve. Lindbergh not only brought huge contributions to air transportation and encouragement to other aviators but was also able to mark his presence alongside the other historical figures during America's Roaring Twenties. 

Sources:

https://www.biography.com/historical-figure/charles-lindbergh

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Lindbergh

https://timeandnavigation.si.edu/multimedia-asset/lindbergh-with-the-spirit-of-st-louis

https://www.coolidgefoundation.org/blog/colonel-charles-lindbergh-the-conqueror-of-the-air/