What does the Liberty Monument commemorate?

The Liberty Monument commemorates the struggle of the white supremacist groups in Louisiana who opposed Reconstruction after the American Civil War. Specifically, it is a tribute to the battle against the carpetbaggers, who were Northern politicians and opportunists that moved to the South during Reconstruction. The monument serves as a symbol of the efforts by these groups to restore what they perceived as the Southern way of life, often through violent means, and reflects the contentious legacy of that period in American history.

While the other options touch on significant aspects of New Orleans and American history, they do not accurately represent the specific focus of the Liberty Monument. The history of New Orleans Jazz, for instance, celebrates the musical contributions that emerged from the city, while the Civil War's broader context encompasses numerous events not confined to the monument itself. The benefactors of public schools speak to educational advancements which, although important, are unrelated to the specific intent of the Liberty Monument.