US History Essay on Greek and Gothic Architecture

           Around the time of the Civil War, two major forms of architecture re-emerged in the United States. Both the Greek and Gothic Revivals conveyed the message of power, but in different aspects. Greek Revival was mainly used by the government, while Gothic Revival was used by the church.
 
           Greek Revival was promoted by the government to portray Greek Enlightenment thoughts such as freedom and democracy. This was different than Neoclassical Architecture because Greek Revival stressed exact replicas of ancient Greek buildings, whereas Neo Classical used specific elements. Greek Revival architecture was used on government buildings to show the power of the nation. This gave observers the sense of established authority based on the ancient ideals of Greek society.

            Gothic Revival was a more romantic form of architecture and was generally used by the church. Power was displayed through the grand, bold, dark designs. This style of architecture wanted to appeal to your feelings through its frighteningly-beautiful cathedrals and churches. Authority was shown by making the observer feel small and insignificant next to this great work of architecture.

            While both forms of architecture conveyed power, each did so in its own unique way. Even though neither style was exclusive to only the government or only the church, the government used Greek Revival much more while the church used Gothic Revival. Greek Revival was used to reminisce on enlightened thoughts and ideas and Gothic Revival was an appeal to feelings through its great, romantic structures. Both styles had the same message, they just managed to portray it in very different ways.