The Amazing Springfield, Illinois

The United States of America is a distant country beyond the ocean, causing contradictory feelings among Russians. This state won the Cold War and put an end to the bipolar world of the second half of the 20th century ...

To date, the US is a 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 issue in the example of the city of Springfield, Illinois.

Historical digression

Illinois (Prairie State, Lincoln Land) is the twenty-first state of the existing fifty, it is located in the Midwest of the United States. It is the fifth in population density.

The history of this area is similar to the history of most other territories of the North American continent. Conditionally 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 the European colonizers came to Illinois. The first were the French, then the English. In different hands there was this fertile locality. More or less clear the fate of Illinois becomes after the War of the Black Hawk. It ended with the adoption of the first Constitution in 1818.

The capital of the state of Prairies

Despite the fact that the largest city of Illinois is Chicago, the capital is the wonderful city of Springfield. The state of Illinois and the locality are associated with the personality of Abraham Lincoln. It was thanks to him that Springfield became the capital in 1839. More details about this outstanding man, we will describe below.

The state capital is on the Sangamon River. It flows through the plain, where the glacier was located many years ago. Springfield is located in the temperate continental climate zone. For this area is characterized by cold winters and hot summers with frequent rains.

The population of the city is about 117,000 people. Of these, a large proportion are Europeans (74.7%); Followed by African Americans - 18.5%; Hispanics and Asians make up the remaining 4.2% of the population.

The nature of Springfield is very picturesque. In the spring and summer, the terrain is literally buried in greenery. Not far from the city is Lake Michigan.

Abraham Lincoln and his activities in Illinois

Every American heard about this legendary man who influenced the course of history. Lincoln, no doubt, can be called an outstanding personality: he is revered and loved in his homeland. He is also on the list of the hundred most studied historical figures.

What made Lincoln famous? His wise policy and outstanding oratorical abilities. Born into a poor farmer's family, Abraham saw injustice and social inequality from childhood . This prompted him to realize the importance of equality between people. Lincoln fought for the liberation of black slaves from the influence of white gentlemen.

From the very childhood the boy loved to read and was engaged in self-education. He studied the Bible, Greek philosophy and books on political science. Once in Illinois, Abraham was on the side of the Indians during their uprising. The first success of the future president was the appointment as postmaster in the city of New Salem (Springfield, Illinois, is near).

Further, Lincoln's career developed rapidly: he created a 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). A surprising gift of persuasion was possessed by this man: even the enemies listened and believed his speeches.

Attractions of the American town

Frankly speaking, the capital of Illinois is not very rich in sights. But there are a few interesting places:

• Opera and Ballet Theatre.
• House-museum and the library of Abraham Lincoln.
• Cemetery of veterans of the Vietnam War.

For all tourists, we advise you not to stay long in the city, but to go to the north of the state to the 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.

Like in the whole of Illinois, most of the population professes Catholicism in the city of 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). It is interesting that many of them do not profess Judaism, but are atheists or agnostics.

The number of fans of the New Age, Hinduism and Sikh movement is constantly increasing.

Among sects, Baptists and Protestants are most widely represented. Illinois is also the largest Mormon stronghold. The number of their followers is 55 thousand people.

Interesting Facts

• The name "Springfield" is widely distributed throughout North America. For example, there is the city of Springfield (Massachusetts). Just 1.5 thousand kilometers from the capital of Illinois, and you will find yourself in a city with a similar name on the Atlantic coast.
• In another Springfield the action of the well-known series "The Simpsons" takes place. The location of the legendary town is unknown. We can only build hypotheses ... It is known that in the invented Springfield there is a nuclear power plant, a brewery, a Jewish quarter, Chinatown, "little Italy" and a friendly Russian quarter.
• The use of marijuana for medical purposes is legalized in Illinois. This greatly facilitates the life of people with epilepsy and HIV infection. In addition, hemp often cures depression.

Here is an interesting town of Springfield (which state, we already know), located in the central part of the North American continent.