The US is considered a superpower with the most powerful economy in the world. The area of the States is 9,629,091 sq. km, in terms of population, the state is in third place (310 million). The country stretches from Canada to Mexico, occupying a fairly large part of the North American continent. Alaska, Hawaii and a number of island territories are also subordinate to the United States. The relief of America is quite diverse: the Appalachian mountains and the Cordillera are replaced by endless deserts and valleys, jungles, forests, the coasts of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and picturesque islands.
History of America
Before colonization, Indians and Eskimos lived on the territory of modern States. The prairies were inhabited by various nomadic tribes. According to rough estimates, in the 16th century, about 11 million Indians lived in America. After the discovery of the continent by Columbus (1492), its mass settlement by Europeans began. In particular, the French, Spaniards, British, Swedes and Dutch came to these uninhabited lands. In the 18th century the Russians beganexplore Alaska. At first, the most crowded flow of immigrants was sent to North America from England.
A characteristic feature of the development of the North American colonies was slavery. At first, there was a so-called layer of "white slaves", who became slaves mainly due to non-payment of debts or as a result of the conclusion of onerous agreements. Gradually they were replaced by "black slaves", who were transported to Virginia from Africa in the early 17th century. Negroes worked, as a rule, on plantations in the southern colonies.
At the end of the 17th century, 13 British colonies were established on the east coast. In 1775, the American War of Independence began with England. On June 4, 1776, the United States Declaration of Independence was proclaimed. England recognized the new state in 1787. At the same time, the US Constitution was adopted. In 1803 the United States bought Louisiana from France, and in 1819 the Spanish ceded Florida to America. In 1845, the Americans annexed Texas. From 1846 to 1848, the United States fought with Mexico, as a result of which a significant part of Mexican territory was annexed: New Mexico, part of California and Arizona. In 1846, the American authorities bought the Pacific region from the British. In 1870, California became part of the country. In short, the history of America has a lot of bloodstains.
As a result of the civil war of 1861-1865. slavery was abolished in the United States. In 1867, Alaska passed to America. In 1898, the Spanish-American War took place, and after the defeat of the Spaniards,Hawaiian Islands, Guam Island and Puerto Rico. This, in principle, ended the creation of the United States of America.
The vast territories that the Americans captured were inhabited by Indian tribes. Since the Redskins could not resist the regular army, they were massively killed or driven into reservations. Foreign lands were also a tasty morsel for the States. They tried to take over Cuba, which at that time belonged to Spain. The attempt to subdue Nicaragua and many other Central American countries has failed.
WWI and WWII
The US country declared neutrality after the outbreak of the First World War. The American monopolists actively helped with loans and deliveries to England. However, already in 1917 America entered the war on the side of the Entente. During the First World War, the United States significantly asserted economic control over Latin America. They carried out military intervention in Mexico (1914, 1916), the Dominican Republic (1916), Haiti (1915), Cuba (1912, 1917). Under pressure from the Americans, Denmark was forced to sell them the Virgin Islands.
After the outbreak of World War II, fearing the regime of Nazi Germany, the States actively helped England and France. Later, President Roosevelt announced his readiness to help the USSR as well. During the war, an anti-Hitler coalition was formed consisting of England, the USA and the Soviet Union. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor (Hawaii), the Philippines and other islands. In response, the US military carried out an atomic bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima andNagasaki in 1945. After the surrender of Japan, its territory was occupied by the US army. The damage suffered by the Americans in World War II is small (332 killed). The United States was the only country to strengthen its political, economic and military positions after the war.
History of the US country after 1949
In 1949, at the suggestion of the United States, European countries created a NATO military alliance. In 1954, an organization called SEATO was created in the southeast region of Asia.
To prevent the spread of communism, in 1950-1953. America participated in the war with Korea. The Vietnamese-American War was fought from 1965-1973. In 1952, the representative of the Republican Party Dwight Eisenhower came to power, who continued the policy of rather strained relations with the USSR. After him, John F. Kennedy was elected president. It was during his reign that the so-called Cuban crisis arose, which was associated with the intention of the American authorities to overthrow Fidel Castro. Kennedy was shot dead in 1963 in Dallas. The commission of inquiry has not yet voiced the true information regarding the customers of this crime.
In the late 60s, mass claims began about the violation of the rights of black citizens. Pastor Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
In the 70s, the United States of America invaded Cambodia and Laos. In 1970, the American authorities actively supported Israel in the war against the Arabs. In 1972, the long Vietnam War ended, a year later the Paris Peace Treaty was signed.agreement.
With the coming to power of President Nixon, relations between America and the USSR improved, and ties were established with China. In 1972, the head of the United States visited these two communist countries. True, thanks to the Watergate case, Nixon had to resign.
Significant changes in the domestic policy of the country were introduced by President Ronald Reagan (1981-1989). He significantly cut taxes and took steps to reduce unemployment.
In 1989, George W. Bush is elected president. He was noted for having carried out a military operation against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, created NAFTA (Free Trade Agreement) and signed a disarmament pact with the Soviet Union START.
The next head of state, Bill Clinton, was more involved in domestic politics. His presidency was marked by economic growth: more than 20 million jobs were created, national income rose by 15%, and budget surpluses multiplied to 1,300 billion.
Tragic day for the US was September 11, 2001. According to the official version, suicide pilots from the al-Qaeda terrorist group, who hijacked passenger planes, rammed 2 towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon building. The third plane was most likely heading for the White House but crashed in Pennsylvania.
Climate
The great length and area of the country determine the presence of almost all types of climatic conditions. Lands that are located north of 40degree s. sh., have a temperate climate. And all territories located beyond this latitude are under the influence of a subtropical climate. Hawaii and southern Florida are located in the tropics, and the Alaska Peninsula is affected by arctic masses. In the west of the Great Plains are semi-deserts. Coastal California has a Mediterranean climate.
Population
The United States ranks third in the world in terms of population. About 309 million people live here. For political, cultural, and historical reasons, the United States is one of the most multiethnic states on the planet. The racial composition of the country includes representatives of the Mongoloid, Caucasian, Negroid races. The indigenous peoples of this territory also live here: Indians, Hawaiians, Aleuts and Eskimos.
Representatives of a wide variety of denominations get along well in the USA: Catholics, Buddhists, Protestants, Jews, Christians. Muslims, Mormons, etc. No more than 4% of the population consider themselves atheists.
The official language is English, however, in reality, Americans speak more than 300 languages and dialects. Each state has its own names, vibrant cultural traditions and a peculiar way of life.
State system
The USA is a federal republic. It includes 50 states and the District of Columbia. The main legislative structure is the US Congress (bicameral parliament). The judiciary is governed by the Supreme Court. Executive power is concentrated in the hands of the President. Now the presidencyoccupied by Barack Obama.
Economy
In 1894, the state took first place in industrial production. Today, the United States is the leading country in terms of gross domestic product. The main activities are industry and agriculture. The state is rich in such natural resources as oil, lead, coal, gas, uranium, stone ore, sulfur, phosphorites, etc. It can be said with confidence that almost all major types of minerals are mined here. The United States is the leading producer of ferrous metals. The chemical, oil refining and nuclear industries are quite well developed. Garment, tobacco, textile, leather and footwear and food production are excellently established here. The production of civil and military aircraft, space technology, etc. is a strategically important area. The United States also occupies the first place in the world in the production of automobiles. The peculiarities of the country are that, along with industry, agriculture is also actively developing. The United States is the world's leading supplier of milk, eggs and meat. A significant place is occupied by rabbit breeding, fishing, and poultry farming.
Attractions
The area of the US country is simply huge, so the list of all man-made and natural attractions will be endless. Mountain ranges, waterfalls, canyons, national parks, picturesque coasts of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, luxury resorts, museums, lakes, bridges, amusement parks, zoos,casinos, skyscrapers, palaces - all this, of course, deserves the attention of tourists and local residents.
Most often, tours to the USA include trips to the largest cities in America: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, B altimore, etc. Most travelers are interested in the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Las Vegas casinos, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon (Arizona), California "Disneyland".
The country has more nature reserves and national parks. The most popular of them is the Yellowstone Reserve.
Lifestyle
A developed economy, a high standard of living, a reliable social security program - all this is a characteristic of the US country. Favorable conditions attract thousands of people from all over the planet to America. The United States is a country of great opportunity for every citizen. The highest value here is the well-being of the individual and the family, and by increasing their own property, each inhabitant makes his country even stronger and richer.
A priori, a working American cannot live in poverty, whether he is a simple driver or a director of a concern. According to average statistics, the income of one family in the United States is about 49 thousand dollars. Laws allow even emigrants to realize their ambitions. And if a first-generation settler cannot run for president, then he can be appointed governor of the state. In other areas, migrants can work without restrictions.
It is worth noting that the unemployed here also live well. If a person is not able (or does not want) to work, then he can live comfortably on a decent state allowance, and at the same time still use medical care. If there is a desire, then he can retrain for free and receive a number of subsidies in addition. Secondary and higher education can be obtained free of charge. The USA is a developed country that can take care of the well-being of all its citizens.
A fairly popular way to move to the States for permanent residence is to participate in the Green Card Lottery. Every year, thanks to drawings, about 50,000 people from any corner of the planet (be it Latin America, India or China) receive American visas. The task of the lottery is to maintain a balance between different ethnic groups in the general composition of the country's population. In this regard, if too many emigrants have arrived from a state over the past 5 years, then these powers can be excluded from participating in the lottery for a certain time. For example, in 2009 such a fate befell Russia. However, even if you become a lottery winner, you won’t be able to get US citizenship right away - this is possible only after five years of permanent residence in the territory of this state.
Immigration policy
US authorities are interested in attracting the best specialists in a wide variety of professions. About 675,000 foreigners are issued visas with the right to work every year. Each person has the opportunity to obtain such a visa, if in a given period the state is interested in hisprofessional skills and knowledge. Like many other major countries in the world, the United States now feels a shortage of specialists in the field of chemistry, IT technologies, doctors, pharmacologists, architects, programmers, builders, farmers, managers and representatives of other professions. Foreigners are also allowed to come to study at American universities.
Foreigners who are engaged in entrepreneurship have a chance to get a business visa. To do this, it is enough to open a representative office in the United States of your company operating in Russia or another country. Or you can buy a ready-made business in America and lead it.
We althy emigrants can get the status of a resident of the States, provided they invest at least $1 million in the country's economy. In some cases, if a person has purchased luxury real estate in the United States, he can receive a residence permit.
Important information
Phone numbers across the country are seven digits. USA country code - +1. To reach the United States internationally, you need to dial 011, the country code, the area code, and then only the number. Area code +1 also includes Canada and the Caribbean.
The country's currency is the US dollar.
Shops in America are usually open Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 18.00. On Sunday, outlets are waiting for buyers from 12.00 to 17.00. In almost all states, purchases are taxed (from 5 to 12% of the value of the purchased goods). Large shopping centers are usually open to visitors from 09.00 to 21.00.
US Allies
Currently, America occupies an important place in the international political arena. Nevertheless, the country's leadership rarely calls itself isolated, most often in the president's statements the phrase is heard: "We and our allies." US allies are often mentioned in many official documents. But who is the partner of the state we are considering?
Countries that support the United States are primarily allies in the NATO military bloc. With the assistance of the North Atlantic Alliance, many large-scale military operations are being carried out. Each participating country makes its contribution in the form of attracting a contingent of troops. For example, after the September 11 terrorist attack, the United States initiated a military operation in Afghanistan. 4400 German troops took part in it. Such assistance from Germany can be regarded as an act of a true ally.
Meanwhile, the 2013 scandal over the wiretapping of Angela Merkel by American intelligence services slightly spoiled the friendly relations between these two strong powers.
Extensive cooperation is also taking place between the US and English-speaking countries such as England, New Zealand, Canada and Australia.
USA and Latin America
After the 2007 crisis, the dominance of the United States on the American continent, to put it mildly, was shaken. Throughout the 20th century, Latin America has oscillated between respect and hatred for the United States. Now many countries of Central and South America maintain economic and diplomatic ties with the United States,rather strained relations are observed only with Cuba and Venezuela.
Results
Description of the US country can be continued for a very long time. This superpower amazes with its history, nature, architecture, climate, way of life and general atmosphere. It's no secret that each state has a different attitude towards the United States. Some openly hate America, others are just silently afraid, and still others sincerely admire this country. In any case, no matter how you feel about Americans, it is worth recognizing that their history of rapid development is indeed commendable.
Thousands of ethnic groups and representatives of various confessions coexist in the USA, but there are almost no serious conflicts between them. Natural we alth, favorable climatic conditions, government programs and, of course, the work of ordinary people helped turn the impregnable and undeveloped area occupied by Indian tribes into one of the most developed states on the planet. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit the United States of America - such a trip will definitely be remembered for a lifetime!
