United States - a country far across the ocean, causing mixed feelings among Russians.This state has won the Cold War and marked the end of the bipolar world of the second half of the 20th century ...
Today the United States is the hegemonic countries with the strongest economies in the world and a huge foreign debt.
What is the administrative structure in North America?Today we look at the issue as an example the city of Springfield, Illinois.
Historical background
Illinois (State of prairie land of Lincoln) - this is the twenty-first state of the existing fifty, it is located in the Midwest.Is the fifth most densely populated.
history of this area is similar to the history of most of the other areas of the North American continent.Conditionally it can be divided into pre-Columbian period and the period of European colonization.Before the arrival of the fateful expedition to North America, this territory was inhabited by Indians.
Then came the European colonizers Illinois.The first were the French, then - the British.In different hands it had this fertile area.More or less the fate of Illinois became clear after the War of Black Hawk.It ended the adoption of the first Constitution in 1818.
state capital Prairie
Despite the fact that the largest city in Illinois - Chicago, capital - the wonderful city of Springfield.The State of Illinois and the said town linked to the person of Abraham Lincoln.It is thanks to him Springfield became the capital in 1839.More details about this extraordinary man, we describe below.
state capital is on the Sangamon River.Runs it through the plain, in the place where many years ago there was a glacier.Springfield is located in the zone of moderate continental climate.For this area is characterized by cold winters and hot summers with frequent showers.
population is about 117 000 people.Of these, most of the - Europeans (74.7%);followed by African Americans - 18.5%;Hispanics and Asians make up the remaining 4.2% of the population.
Nature Springfield is very picturesque.In the spring and summer, the area is literally surrounded by greenery.Near the town is Lake Michigan.
Abraham Lincoln and his activity in Illinois
Every American heard about this legendary man, influenced the course of history.Lincoln, no doubt, can be called an outstanding personality, his love and worship in their homeland.It is also included in the list of the hundred most studied historical figures.
What famous Lincoln?His wise policy and outstanding oratorical skills.Born into a family of a poor farmer, Abraham saw a childhood injustice and social inequality.This led him to realize the importance of equality among human beings.Lincoln fought for the liberation of black slaves from the influence of the white masters.
Since childhood, the boy loved to read and to educate ourselves.He studied the Bible, the Greek philosophy and books on political science.Caught in Illinois, Abraham took the side of the Indians during their uprising.The first success of the future president was the appointment of postmaster in New Salem (Springfield, Illinois, near).
Next Lincoln's career developed rapidly: he created the Republican Party and in 1860 became president of the United States.The outcome of political reforms was the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the country (northern and southern parts).Surprisingly persuasion possessed this man that even the enemies heard and believed his words.
Attractions American town
frankly, not very rich capital of Illinois attractions.Still, there are several interesting places:
- Opera and Ballet Theatre.
- House Museum and Library of Abraham Lincoln.
- Cemetery veterans of the Vietnam War.
All tourists are advised not to stay long in the city, and to go upstate to marvelous nature and majestic lakes.
little about religion
In the US presented all the world religions.The country is literally full of occult and esoteric movements.
As the entire Illinois majority of the population professes Catholicism in Springfield.The state is also rich in other religious movements and associations.The largest non-Christian group of people are Jews (about 270 thousand. People).Interestingly, many of them do not profess Judaism, but are atheists or agnostics.
growing number of fans of the New Age movement, Hindus and Sikhs.
sects among the most widely represented Baptists and Protestants.Illinois is also the largest Mormon stronghold.The number of followers is 55 thousand people.
Interesting facts
- name "Springfield" is widespread throughout North America.For example, there is the city of Springfield (Massachusetts).In total 1.5 thousand kilometers from the capital city of Illinois, and you find yourself in the city with the same name on the Atlantic coast.
- yet another action takes place Springfield famous series "The Simpsons."Location legendary town nobody knows.We can only conjecture ... It is known that there are fictional Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, a brewery, the Jewish Quarter, Chinatown, "Little Italy" and the friendly Russian quarter.
- In Illinois legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes.This greatly facilitates the lives of people with epilepsy and HIV infection.Everything else, hemp often cure depression.
Here's an interesting town of Springfield (a state, we already know), located in the central part of the North American continent.
