The United States of America is a distant country across the ocean, causing conflicting feelings among Russians. This state won the Cold War and ended the bipolar world of the second half of the 20th century…
Today, the US is the hegemonic country with the strongest economy in the world and a huge external debt.
What is the administrative structure of North America? Today we will look at this question using the example of the city of Springfield, Illinois.
Historical digression
Illinois (Prairie State, Land of Lincoln) is the twenty-first state of the existing fifty, it is located in the Midwest of the United States. Is the fifth most densely populated.
The history of this area is similar to the history of most other territories of the North American continent. Conventionally, it can be divided into the 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 European colonizers came to Illinois. The first were the French, then the British. This fertile area was in different hands. More or less clear fate of Illinoisbecomes after the Black Hawk War. It ended with the adoption of the first Constitution in 1818.
Prairie State Capital
Despite the fact that the largest city in Illinois is Chicago, the capital is the wonderful city of Springfield. The state of Illinois and the specified locality are associated with the personality of Abraham Lincoln. It was thanks to him that Springfield became the capital in 1839. We will tell you more about this outstanding person below.
The state capital stands on the Sangamon River. It flows through the plain, on the site of which there was a glacier many years ago. Springfield is located in the temperate continental climate zone. The area is characterized by cold winters and hot summers with frequent rains.
The population of the city is about 117,000 people. Most of them are Europeans (74.7%); followed by African Americans - 18.5%; Hispanics and Asians make up the remaining 4.2% of residents.
The nature of Springfield is very picturesque. In spring and summer, the area is literally immersed in greenery. Not far from the city is Lake Michigan.
Abraham Lincoln and his activities in Illinois
Every American has heard of this legendary man who changed the course of history. Lincoln, without a doubt, can be called an outstanding personality: he is revered and loved in his homeland. He is also one of the 100 most studied historical figures.
What made Lincoln famous? With his wise policy and outstanding oratorical skills. Born into the family of a poor farmer, Abraham from childhood saw injustice and socialinequality. This prompted him to realize the importance of equality between people. Lincoln fought for the liberation of black slaves from the influence of white masters.
From childhood, the boy loved to read and was engaged in self-education. He studied the Bible, Greek philosophy and political science books. Once in Illinois, Abraham sided with the Indians during their rebellion. The first success of the future president was the appointment of the postmaster in the city of New Salem (Springfield, Illinois, is nearby).
Further, Lincoln's career developed rapidly: he created the Republican Party, and in 1860 became President of the United States. The results of political reforms were the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the country (southern and northern parts). This man possessed an amazing gift of persuasion: even enemies listened and believed his speeches.
Sights of American town
Frankly, the capital of Illinois is not very rich in sights. But still there are a few interesting places:
- Opera and Ballet Theatre.
- Abraham Lincoln House Museum and Library.
- Vietnam Veterans Cemetery.
We advise all tourists not to stay long in the city, but to go to the north of the state to wonderful nature and majestic lakes.
A little about religion
All world religions are represented in the USA. The country is literally full of occult and esoteric movements.
As in all of Illinois, the majority of the population professes Catholicism in the city of Springfield. Statealso rich in other religious movements and associations. The largest non-Christian group of people are Jews (approximately 270 thousand people). Interestingly, many of them do not profess Judaism, but are atheists or agnostics.
The number of new age, Hindu and Sikh fans is constantly increasing.
Among the sects, Baptists and Protestants are the most widely represented. Illinois is also the largest Mormon stronghold. They have 55,000 followers.
Interesting facts
- The name "Springfield" is widespread throughout North America. For example, there is the city of Springfield (Massachusetts). Only 1.5 thousand kilometers from the capital of Illinois, and you will find yourself in a city with the same name on the Atlantic coast.
- Another Springfield is where the action of the famous series "The Simpsons" takes place. The location of the legendary town is unknown to anyone. We can only hypothesize… It is known that the fictional Springfield has a nuclear power plant, a brewery, a Jewish quarter, a Chinatown, a “little Italy” and a friendly Russian quarter.
- Illinois legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. This makes life much easier for people with epilepsy and HIV infection. In addition, cannabis often cures depression.
Here is such an interesting town of Springfield (which state, we already know), located in the central part of the North Americancontinent.
