The Controversial Legacy of Airplane Invention: Wright Brothers…

The article explores the differing claims between Brazil and the U.S. regarding the invention of the airplane, attributing it to the Wright brothers in America and Alberto Santos Dumont in Brazil. President Lula advocates for Santos Dumont’s recognition, emphasizing the significance of national pride in the narrative. The debate raises questions about historical accuracy versus ideological beliefs.

In both Brazil and the United States, the question of who invented the airplane often provokes divergent responses. While American schoolchildren learn that the Wright brothers were the pioneers of aviation with their 1903 flight in Kitty Hawk, many Brazilians credit Alberto Santos Dumont as the true inventor, referring to him as the “father of aviation.” His successful flight with the 14-Bis in Paris in 1906 is a cornerstone of Brazilian national pride.

Efforts to honor Santos Dumont in Brazil have been extensive, with his likeness appearing on currency, and his name gracing an airport in Rio de Janeiro. During the 2016 Rio Olympics, his contributions were celebrated with a replica of his airplane making an appearance at the Opening Ceremonies. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has emerged as a prominent advocate for Santos Dumont, rejecting the Wright brothers’ acclaim by highlighting what he perceives as the erroneous denial of Brazil’s aviation achievements.

In a statement, President Lula has said, “Everyone knows that Santos Dumont was the first to make something heavier than air fly, autonomously, without assistance.” He claims that the prominence of the Wright brothers is largely due to the American movie industry and emphasizes the need to correct historical misattributions in aviation.

The differing narratives raise questions regarding nationalism and the complexities of historical interpretation. Experts have noted that both sides are firmly entrenched in their positions. Peter Jakab, a curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, remarked, “This is a very Brazilian thing… it’s sad.” Conversely, Brazilian physicist Henrique Lins de Barros pointed out that Americans often dismiss contributions from others.

The definition of what constitutes a valid flight is central to the debate. The Wright brothers conducted their first successful flights in 1903, but Brazilian historians challenge their legitimacy, arguing that the flights relied on favorable weather conditions. While the Wrights’ 1904 and 1905 flights were more advanced, Brazilians assert that these involved a catapult for takeoff, disqualifying them in their view.

In response, Jakab has dismissed these claims, stating, “Brazil’s argument is so easily deconstructed it’s not even really an argument.” He emphasized that the Wrights’ Flyer III maintained flight for a substantial duration, calling the Brazilian position “preposterous”. Importantly, in 1906, Santos Dumont achieved a significant milestone with his 14-Bis, taking off unaided, which initially garnered global attention.

Despite Brazil’s insistence on Santos Dumont’s contributions, notable figures in the aviation world believe that historical consensus clearly favors the Wright brothers. Marion Weckerle from France’s Air and Space Museum asserts, “There is no doubt that the Wright brothers flew before Santos Dumont.”

In a reflective moment, Alberto Dodsworth Wanderley, Santos Dumont’s closest living relative, expressed ambivalence towards the debate about the invention of the airplane. As a lifelong advocate for his great-uncle’s legacy, he questioned the ultimate significance of this dispute, wondering, “What’s the importance? Will this dispute bring us anywhere?” Amidst the ongoing discussions, it becomes evident that the question of who invented the airplane has transformed into an ideological battleground rather than a purely historical inquiry.

The debate surrounding the invention of the airplane remains deeply rooted in national pride and differing historical narratives between Brazil and the United States. While the Wright brothers are recognized in the U.S. for their significant contributions in early aviation, Brazilians honor Alberto Santos Dumont as a foundational figure in flight history. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s advocacy for Santos Dumont underscores the complexities of patriotic narratives and the broader implications of historical interpretation. Ultimately, the discourse reveals that the question of invention transcends mere facts, evolving into an ideological issue that reflects each country’s cultural identity.

Original Source: www.postguam.com