Lindbergh's fame began in 1927, when his dreams of making the flight between New York and Paris were beginning to be realized. Between the months of March and May, Charles supervised the construction of the Spirit of St. Louis, the airplane that would later fulfill his dream. Soon after its completion, Lindbergh set a speed record for a flight between San Diego and St. Louis. At this point, Americans began to recognize him as a competitor in the race across the Atlantic. Finally, on May 20, 1927, he embarked on his journey to France. On May 21, Lindbergh touched down at Le Bourget Airport in Paris. Although recognized as a national hero, Charles' influence in American history didn't end with the transatlantic flight. Lindbergh tragically became the center of the "trial of the century," became deeply involved in the World War II c

In 1912, Charles' father bought a new car, a Model-T Ford that the family named Maria. At the age of eleven, Charles learned to drive the car and after a great deal of practice, became a more proficient driver than either of his parents. After studying the combustion engine that the Model-T donned, he prided himself on his ability to start Maria and keep her running. In 1916, Charles' father ordered a new tractor, which Charles insisted on assembling himself. After three days of hard work, the tractor ran without a problem. Through the tractor dealer, Charles then ordered a twin-cylinder Excelsior motorcycle. He "loved its power and speed and soon became a skillful rider" (Giblin 13). Charles finished high school with mediocre grades and then attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He soon became bored with college and turned to his lifelong interest in aviation.

The night of March 1, 1932, was probably the most horrible night in the lives of either Charles or his wife, Anne. On this night, their only son, Charles Jr., was kidnapped from his crib. The case instantly became the focus of every newspaper and radio program throughout the country. Through an intermediary, Charles paid a $50,000 ransom for the return of his son. However, the location of the baby that was given to Charles was incorrect. On May 12, 1932, the body of the baby was found in the woods less than two miles from the Lindberghs' home. Not until 1934, was a man accused of the crime. Bruno Hauptmann was positively identified as the kidnaper by Charles and was found guilty. Hauptmann was sentenced to death by electrocution and his sentence was carried out in 1936.

Throughout much of his life, Charles Lindbergh had a profound impact upon American society. His transatlantic flight opened a new door to overseas trade, travel, and even war. Then, with the kidnapping of his first child, he captured the emotions of the public. Prior to World War II, he served as an important source of information to the allied forces. Finally, at the beginning of the war, he turned many Americans with his knowledgeable, though naive, speeches on isolationism.

Charles decided on a Curtiss JN-4D biplane. "Equipped with a ninety-horsepower engine, the plane flew at low altitudes and at a top speed of seventy-five miles an hour" (Giblin 26). After purchasing the plane, Charles decided to test fly it. Observing the young Lindbergh attempt to fly the plane, another pilot approached Charles and offered to teach him how to fly the plane. Within hours, Charles was able to take off and

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Approximate Word count = 1738
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)