What does the arch with the chariot and woman mean? why is this statue in most all european cities?

what is its symbolic meaning? what is its significance to today?

Public Comments

1. The one in Russia was built for the troops returning from war in 1814
2. In England it is often the personification of 'Britannia'. There is also a statue on Westminster Embankment which is intended to depict Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni who revolted against the Romans. I guess in other European countries the statues are intended to represent some female personification of that country. They certainly do no all portray the same person.
3. Its the symbol of Victory, mainly built in cities after a war.
4. The woman is "Victoria" or victory. The arch was where the triumphant armies marched through when they returned from war. It's significance today is that it represents an age when people cheered as soldiers marched off to war. A reminder of a nation's past good and bad.