The eagle on the obverse of the Great Seal of the United States is looking to the right because it is facing out of the shield towards the symbol of peace, an olive branch, that it holds in its right talon. This symbolizes the country's preference for peace but also its readiness to defend itself if necessary. The eagle's head is turned toward the olive branch as a sign of the United States' desire for peace and friendship with other countries. Additionally, according to some historians, the eagle looking to the right may have been inspired by the Roman Empire, as it was common to depict eagles facing to the right in Roman iconography.
