1

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself"

Image: National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, delivered a phrase in his first inaugural address that would be remembered forever. On March 4, 1933, at the height of the Great Depression, he proclaimed, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," with the aim of inspiring a nation in crisis to embrace courage and hope.

2

"Ask not what your country can do for you…"

Image: Florida Memory

The Cold War, international tensions, and civil rights struggles were shaking the nation when John F. Kennedy delivered his unforgettable inaugural address on January 20, 1961. Calling on Americans to take personal responsibility and contribute actively to the nation, he gave one of the most famous lines in American history: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

3

"Speak softly and carry a big stick…"

Image: Pach Brothers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

F.D. wasn't the only Roosevelt with memorable quotes. Before him, Teddy Roosevelt made his mark, but he was a bit blunter. The 26th president first said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far" in a public speech in 1901. With that line, he described his approach to foreign policy, which later became known as "Big Stick diplomacy."

4

"A house divided against itself cannot stand"

Image: Alexander Gardner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Abraham Lincoln gave us iconic words even before becoming president. In 1858, while accepting the Illinois Republican Party's nomination for the US Senate, he declared, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." The Civil War had not yet begun, but the nation was already deeply divided. This powerful line helped elevate Lincoln's reputation, paving the way for his election as president in 1860.

5

"We choose to go to the Moon"

Image: NASA

As expected, John F. Kennedy appears more than once on this list. This time, with a phrase that would kick off one of the greatest achievements in US and human history: the moon landing. During a speech at Rice University on September 12, 1962, in Houston, Texas, he said: "We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard." And history proved him right.

6

"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

Image: Michael Evans, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ronald Reagan also gave the world memorable quotes, including this famous one addressed to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev during a speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin on June 12, 1987. Two years later, the Berlin Wall was brought down by the citizens themselves.

7

"The buck stops here"

Image: Greta Kempton, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Displayed in his office, Harry S. Truman had the phrase: "The buck stops here." After assuming the presidency following Franklin D. Roosevelt's death, Truman had to face critical decisions at the end of World War II. The famous line reflected his belief in taking personal responsibility for decisions rather than shifting blame.

8

"Liberty, when it begins to take root…"

Image: Jon Sailer

Washington shared this idea in 1785 in a letter to Alexander Hamilton, shortly after the end of the American Revolutionary War. In it, he clearly expressed his vision for the young nation, whose principles would be rooted in the power of liberty and freedom.

9

"If your actions inspire others to dream more…"

Image: Julielangford, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the United States, gave us one of the most inspiring quotes: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are a leader." Thus, he defined leadership as a moral responsibility, one that motivates and uplifts others.

10

"Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected"

Image: Gilbert Stuart, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In his 1796 Farewell Address, George Washington captured the guiding principles of his presidency with this phrase. For the first US president, fulfilling moral duties and, above all, acting with integrity were inseparable from true happiness.

1

Ford Mustang

Image: VizAforMemories

Often referred to simply as "the Mustang ," this series manufactured by Ford is one of the quintessential American automobiles.

The Mustang was born in 1964 and has been in production ever since (with the Mustang II being produced from 1974 to 1978), as its popularity transcends borders. Its smart, sporty design has evolved over the years, but it has never lost its pony car label.

Loved by many for its wide range of engine options and powerful performance, the Mustang is more than just a car; it's an icon of American automotive culture. Remember the Mustang GT 390 in the 1968 movie Bullitt ?

2

Chevrolet Corvette

Image: Abdul Bakar

With its iconic two-seater design and a very rich history, the Corvette is a legend that could not be left out of this list.

The Corvette was introduced by Chevrolet in 1953 , some 70 years ago! However, it has aged like fine wine. Far from being out of style, this classic remains a top choice for car enthusiasts worldwide, blending performance, design, heritage, and status.

And as if all that wasn't enough, the Corvette has multiple victories in prestigious endurance races such as the American Le Mans Series .

Fun fact: the Corvette gets its name from a small, fast type of warship!

3

Jeep Wrangler

Image: cody lannom

Famous for its off-road prowess, the Jeep Wrangler is definitely an icon.

The origin of this car perfectly explains its capacity. The Jeep Wrangler has its roots in the Willys MB , a military vehicle used during WWII, renowned for its rugged durability. Of course, the Wrangler has evolved into the version we know today, blending practicality and durability, and displaying features like removable doors .

The Jeep Wrangler's off-road expertise has earned it a global reputation that is hard to beat. As you might already know, a rugged Jeep Wrangler YJ appears in the iconic Jurassic Park . After all, no other car could handle dinosaurs!

4

Ford Model T

Image: Philip Schroeder

Who could forget the iconic Ford Model T ? A car instantly recognizable to everyone, whether you're a car lover or not.

Ford began producing the Model T in 1908 and ceased production in 1927. But in less than 20 years, over 15 million units were made! This incredible feat makes the Model T one of the best-selling cars in history.

As if its beauty wasn't enough, the T was also renowned for its durability and affordability , specifically designed to be accessible to the average American. Do you want to know how much the "Tin Lizzie" cost when it started revolutionizing the streets in the early 20th century? Initially, it was priced at around $850 , but its price even dropped in the years that followed!

5

Cadillac Escalade

Image: Craig Marolf

When Cadillac decided to enter the SUV market, it did so in a big way. In 1998 , the brand released one of its most acclaimed models: the Cadillac Escalade . Imposing from every angle, this SUV has a luxurious design both inside and out, with the quality and style that characterizes the brand.

Beyond its powerful performance, the Escalade distinguishes itself with leading technology . This includes multiple USB ports, high-quality sound systems, and advanced driver assistance systems.

With all these advantages, the Escalade became one of Cadillac's best-sellers and also a popular choice in the luxury SUV market!

6

Ford Thunderbird

Image: Maxim Simonov

In 1955 , Ford spiced up the car scene with their Ford Thunderbird , a stylish two-seat sports car. Quickly becoming an icon, this model was Ford's answer to Chevrolet's Corvette.

The " T-Bird ," as it came to be known, evolved over its production run. In 1961, a significant transformation occurred: it became a four-seat model. With its new sleek design, the Thunderbird earned a new nickname and became the " Bullet Bird ."

Over the years, Ford produced 11 generations of the Thunderbird, each with unique features. Unfortunately, Ford decided to stop production of the T-Bird in 2005 due to declining sales. However, its exceptional qualities and profound impact have made it one of America's classics.

7

Dodge Charger

Image: Tim Meyer

A legendary American muscle car , the Dodge Charger appeared in 1966 , right amid the dynamic 60s and 70s era.

You probably remember the first-generation Dodge Charger, which featured hidden headlights , something quite remarkable in its time! Its V8 engines and high-performance capacities also made it a star in the TV series " The Dukes of Hazzard ."

With many variations over the years, Dodge continues to produce the model to this day, always updating its technology but maintaining some of the main features of its iconic design. Are you among the many fans of this amazing model?

8

Pontiac GTO

Image: Vitali Adutskevich

If we talk about muscle cars , we cannot forget the Pontiac GTO . Born in 1963 , it became an instant hit, produced for eleven years until 1974 . It also made a comeback from 2004 to 2006, creating a new chapter in its history.

Considered by many as the perfect muscle car, the Pontiac GTO stood out for its powerful V8 front engine and its attractive design, which included dual exhausts and hood scoops. It was also available in a wide range of colors.

If you're wondering about its name, the abbreviation "GTO" stands for "Gran Turismo Omologato," Italian for "Grand Touring Homologated."

9

Chevrolet Camaro

Image: Tim Meyer

Classified as a pony car , the Camaro appeared in 1966 as Chevrolet's card to compete with the Ford Mustang. While maintaining its efficiency, speed, and powerful performance , the Chevrolet Camaro has seen its engines evolve across generations, ranging from V6s to V8s.

According to the legend surrounding its creation, the name of this famous model was conceived by Chevrolet's merchandising manager, Bob Lund. While flipping through an English-French dictionary, he found the French word c amaro , which translates as "friend, pal, or comrade." And that was exactly what the brand was looking for in its new pony car: to be a reliable companion for its owner.

10

Tesla Model S

Image: Jp Valery

Despite being a relatively new brand, Tesla has proven that it's more than capable of creating iconic cars.

A good example is the Tesla Model S , an all- electric luxury car that's relatively young, debuting in 2012 . Upon its introduction, it caused a sensation with its spectacular design and technology .

One of the most unique features of this model is its incredible speed. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds! That's the definition of fast. It is also capable of traveling up to 370 miles on a single charge , highlighting its efficiency among electric cars. Of course, the vehicle's functions are controlled through an elegant touchscreen display. Can you imagine yourself driving this model?

1

American Gothic (1930) - Grant Wood

Image: Grant Wood, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most internationally recognized American paintings is undoubtedly "American Gothic" by Grant Wood. With a blend of realism and subtle humor, the artist captured the spirit of rural America during the Great Depression. According to legend, Wood was inspired when he saw a Gothic-style house in Iowa and wondered who would live in that house.

2

Nighthawks (1942) - Edward Hopper

Image: Edward Hopper, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

There are probably very few people in the world who haven't seen an image of Edward Hopper's iconic " Nighthawks ," referenced so often that it has become a part of pop culture. Although painted during WWII, this work captures something timeless and still relevant today: the loneliness of night in a bustling city.

3

Whistler's Mother (1871) - James McNeill Whistler

Image: James McNeill Whistler, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A painting that marked a turning point in the art world is "Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1" by James McNeill Whistler, better known as "Whistler's Mother." This work transformed portraiture by embracing a sober, harmonious, and minimalist composition that prioritized conveying emotion over intricate detail. The calm expressed in the painting has been widely praised by critics and art scholars alike.

4

The Gross Clinic (1875) - Thomas Eakins

Image: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Painted in 1875, "The Gross Clinic" by Thomas Eakins is a masterful realist work that revolutionized art through its dramatic use of light and shadow to portray the stark reality of surgery at the time. It's said that, when first exhibited, it shocked viewers so much that it was moved from the art section to the medical displays area of the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.

5

Christina's World (1948) - Andrew Wyeth

Image: Zetong Li

"Christina's World" (1948) by Andrew Wyeth is a world-renowned realist painting celebrated for its beauty and depth. Inspired by his neighbor, Christina Olson, who suffered from a degenerative disease that restricted her mobility, the artist created a powerful image that has impacted for decades. The painting's influence also reached Hollywood, appearing in an iconic scene featuring Mélanie Laurent as Shosanna in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds (2009).

6

No. 5, 1948 (1948) - Jackson Pollock

Image: Smithsonian Institution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

"No. 5, 1948" by Jackson Pollock perfectly defines Abstract Expressionism. As a pioneer of drip painting, Pollock broke away from traditional techniques and norms, revolutionizing not only how art was created but also how it was perceived and interpreted. In 2006, "No. 5, 1948" sold for around $140 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings at that time.

7

Campbell's Soup Cans (1962) - Andy Warhol

Image: Andy Warhol, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When talking about pop culture, "Campbell's Soup Cans" (1962) by Andy Warhol is an essential reference. Even those unfamiliar with art recognize this work, as Warhol broke through the barriers of the academy to reach a broader audience. By transforming everyday objects into symbols of art, this iconic piece made a strong critique of mass production and consumerism.

8

Portrait of George Washington (1796) - Gilbert Stuart

Image: Gilbert Stuart, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Gilbert Stuart created what is perhaps the most famous portrait of George Washington. Painted in 1796, this work helped define the image of the first US president throughout history. Although Stuart never completed the painting during his lifetime, it became the basis for many other depictions of Washington, including the image on the $1 bill.

9

Freedom from Want (1943) - Norman Rockwell

Image: Hennepin County Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

You've probably come across this painting more than once. Inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1941 speech on fundamental human rights, Norman Rockwell created his Four Freedoms series. Among the four paintings, "Freedom from Want" (1943) stands out as an icon of American values from the time of its debut to this day.

10

No. 61 (Rust and Blue) (1953) - Mark Rothko

Image: Consuelo Kanaga, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

Color Field painting wouldn't be what it is today without the groundbreaking work of American artist Mark Rothko, who, along with Barnett Newman and Clyfford Still, helped pioneer the movement. Rothko insisted that his paintings should be displayed and observed in dim lighting, as his use of color fields aims to evoke deep emotional responses in viewers.