The country of the United States is considered a superpower with the most powerful economy in the world. The area of ​​the United States is 9,629,091 square meters. km, the state is in third place in terms of population (310 million). The country stretched 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 the modern States. Various nomadic tribes inhabited the prairies. 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 Dutchs came to these uninhabited lands. In the 18th century, Russians began to explore Alaska. At first, the most populous stream 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 because of non-payment of debts or as a result of conclusion of enslaving agreements. Gradually they were supplanted by the “black slaves”, who were transported to Virginia from Africa at the beginning of the 17th century. Negroes worked, as a rule, on plantations in the southern colonies.
At the end of the 17th century, 13 British colonies were created on the east coast. In 1775, the war for US independence with England began. The United States Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 4, 1776. England recognized the new state in 1787. Then the US Constitution was adopted. In 1803, the United States bought Louisiana from France, and in 1819 the Spaniards ceded America to Florida. 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 the Mexican territory was annexed: New Mexico, part of California and Arizona. In 1846, American authorities bought the Pacific from the British. In 1870, California completely became part of the country. In short, the history of America has many bloody spots.
As a result of the civil war of 1861-1865. in the States, slavery was abolished. In 1867, Alaska passed to America. In 1898, the Spanish-American War took place, and after the defeat of the Spaniards, the Hawaiian Islands, the island of Guam and Puerto Rico passed under the jurisdiction of the United States. On this, in principle, the creation of the United States of America ended.
The vast territories that the Americans occupied were inhabited by the tribes of the Indians. Since the Redskins could not resist the regular army, they were massively killed or driven into the reservation. Alien lands were a tasty morsel for the States. They tried to capture Cuba, which at that time belonged to Spain. An unsuccessful attempt was made to subjugate Nicaragua and many other countries of Central America.
World War I and World War II
The United States declared neutrality after the outbreak of World War I. The American monopolists actively helped with the loans and supplies of England. However, already in 1917, America entered the war on the side of the Entente. During the First World War, the United States significantly established economic control over Latin America. They carried out military intervention in Mexico (1914, 1916), the Dominican Republic (1916), Haiti (1915), and 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 Nazi regime in Germany, the States actively helped England and France. Later, President Roosevelt announced his readiness to provide assistance to the USSR. During the war, an anti-Hitler coalition formed in England, the United States and the Soviet Union. On December 7, 1941, Japan suddenly attacked Pearl Harbor (Hawaii), the Philippines, and other islands. In response, the U.S. military conducted an atomic bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. After the surrender of Japan, its territory was occupied by the US Army. The damage that the Americans suffered in World War II is small (332 killed). The United States became the only country to strengthen its political, economic and military positions after the war.
US Country History After 1949
In 1949, at the suggestion of the United States, European countries created the military alliance of NATO. In 1954, an organization called SEATO was created in the southeastern region of Asia.
To prevent the spread of communism, in 1950-1953. America participated in the war with Korea. In the years 1965-1973, the Vietnam-American War was fought. 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 Investigation Commission has not yet announced the true information regarding the customers of this crime.
In the late 60s, massive claims began regarding a violation of the rights of black citizens. In 1968, Pastor Martin Luther King was killed.
In the 70s, the United States of America invaded Cambodia and Laos. In 1970, American authorities actively supported Israel in the war against the Arabs. In 1972, the long Vietnam War ended, a year later the Paris Peace Agreement was signed.
With the advent of President Nixon, relations between America and the USSR improved, and relations with China were established. 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 politics of the country were made by President Ronald Reagan (1981-1989). He significantly reduced taxes and took measures to reduce unemployment.
In 1989, George W. Bush was elected president. He noted that he conducted a military operation against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, created the NAFTA (Free Trade Agreement) and signed the START disarmament pact with the Soviet Union.
The next head of state, Bill Clinton, was more involved in domestic politics. The period of his presidency was marked by economic growth: more than 20 million jobs were created, national income increased to 15%, and budget surpluses increased to 1300 billion.
The tragic day for the United States was September 11, 2001. According to the official version, suicide bombers from the al-Qaeda terrorist group who hijacked passenger planes rammed 2 towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The third plane was most likely heading for the White House, but crashed in Pennsylvania.
Climate
The large extent and area of ​​the country determine the presence of almost all types of climatic conditions. Lands located to the north of 40 degrees c. sh., are characterized by a temperate climate. And all territories located beyond this latitude are influenced by the subtropical climate. Hawaii and southern Florida are located in the tropic zone, and Arctic masses are affecting the Alaska Peninsula. In the west of the Great Plains are semi-deserts. In the coastal regions of California, a Mediterranean climate prevails.
Population
In terms of population, the States are third in the world. About 309 million people live here. For political, cultural, and historical reasons, the United States is one of the most multinational states on the planet. The racial composition of the country includes representatives of the Mongoloid, Caucasoid, Negroid race. Indigenous peoples of this territory also live here: Indians, Hawaiians, Aleuts and Eskimos.
Representatives of the most diverse faiths coexist perfectly in the USA: Catholics, Buddhists, Protestants, Jews, Christians. Muslims, Mormons, etc. Not more than 4% of the population consider themselves atheists.
English is considered the official language, however, in reality, Americans speak more than 300 languages ​​and dialects. Each individual state has its own names, vibrant cultural traditions and a unique way of life.
Political system
The country of the United States 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 administered by the Supreme Court. Executive power is concentrated in the hands of the president. Now the presidency is occupied by Barack Obama.
Economy
In 1894, the state took first place in industrial production. Today, the US country is a leading power in terms of gross domestic product. The main activities are industry and agriculture. The state is rich in natural resources such as oil, lead, coal, gas, uranium, stone ore, sulfur, phosphorite, etc. It can be said with confidence that almost all the main types of minerals are mined here. States is a leading producer of ferrous metals. The chemical, oil refining and nuclear industries are quite well developed. Sewing, tobacco, textile, leather-shoe and food production are excellently established here. Strategically important areas are the production of civil and military aircraft, space technology, etc. The United States also occupies the first place in the world in the production of automobiles. The country's peculiarities are that along with industry, agriculture is also actively developing. The United States is a global leader in the supply of milk, eggs and meat. A significant place is occupied by rabbit breeding, fishing, poultry farming.
sights
The area of ​​the United States is simply enormous, so the list of all man-made and natural attractions will be endless. Mountain ranges, waterfalls, canyons, national parks, the picturesque coast of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, elite 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 United States include trips to the largest cities in America: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Baltimore, etc. Most travelers are interested in the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Las Vegas Casino, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon (Arizona), Disneyland California.
There are more reserves and national parks in the country. The most popular of them is Yellowstone Nature Reserve.
Way of life
A developed economy, a high standard of living, a reliable program of social guarantees - all this is a characteristic of the United States. Favorable conditions attract thousands of people from all over the world to America. The United States is a country of great opportunity for every citizen. The highest value here is the welfare of the individual and family, and, while multiplying their own property, each resident makes his country even stronger and richer.
A working American a priori cannot be poor, whether he is a simple driver or the 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 immigrants to realize their ambitions. And if a migrant in the first generation cannot run for president, then he can be appointed governor of the state. In other areas, immigrants can work without restrictions.
It is worth noting that the unemployed also live well here. If a person is not able (or does not want) to work, then he can live comfortably on a decent state allowance, and still use medical care. If there is a desire, then he can retrain for free and in addition receive a number of subsidies. Secondary and higher education is available for free. The United States is a developed country that can take care of the safe fate of all its citizens.
A fairly popular way to relocate to the States for permanent residence is to participate in the Green Card lottery. Every year, thanks to the draws, about 50 thousand people from all over the world (whether it be Latin America, India or China) receive American visas . The task of the lottery is to maintain a balance between different ethnic groups in the overall composition of the country's population. In this regard, if too many emigrants have arrived from a state over the past 5 years, these powers can be excluded from participation in the lottery for a certain time. For example, in 2009, such a fate befell Russia. However, even if you become the winner of the lottery, you won’t be able to immediately obtain US citizenship - 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 from a wide variety of professions. Visas with the right to work are issued every year by about 675 thousand foreigners. Everyone can get such a visa if during this period the state is interested in his professional skills and knowledge. Like many other major countries in the world, the United States is now experiencing 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 do business have a chance to get a business visa. To do this, it is enough to open a representative office in the USA of a company operating in Russia or another country. And you can buy a ready-made business in America and lead it.
Rich emigrants can obtain the status of a resident of the United States provided that they invest in the country's economy at least $ 1 million. In some cases, if a person has acquired elite real estate in the USA, he or she may obtain a residence permit.
Important information
Telephone numbers throughout the country are seven-digit. The US country code is +1. To get international contact with the United States, you need to dial 011, the country code, area code, and then only the number. The phone code +1 also contains Canada and the Caribbean.
The country's currency is the American dollar.
Shops in America, as a rule, are open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 18.00. On Sunday, retail outlets expect customers from 12.00 to 17.00. In almost all states, purchases are tax deductible (from 5 to 12% of the value of purchased goods). Large shopping centers are usually open for visitors from 09.00 to 21.00.
US Allies
America currently holds an important place in the international political arena. Nevertheless, the country's leadership rarely calls itself isolated, most often the president’s statements include the phrase: “We and our allies.” About US associates are often referred to in many official documents. But who is the partner of the state under consideration?
The countries supporting 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 conducted. Each participating country contributes in the form of attracting troops. For example, after the September 11 terrorist attack, the United States launched a military operation in Afghanistan. It was attended by 4,400 German troops. Such assistance from Germany can be regarded as an act of a faithful ally.
Meanwhile, the 2013 scandal over wiretapping of Angela Merkel by the American intelligence services slightly spoiled the friendly relations between these two powerful powers.
Active cooperation is also carried out between the United States and such English-speaking countries as England, New Zealand, Canada and Australia.
USA and Latin America
After the 2007 crisis, US dominance on the American continent, to put it mildly, shook. Throughout the 20th century, Latin America fluctuated between respect and hatred of the States. Now, many countries of Central and South America maintain economic and diplomatic relations with the United States, rather dressed up relations are observed only with Cuba and Venezuela.
Summary
Description of the US country can continue for a very long time. This superpower is striking in its history, nature, architecture, climate, lifestyle and general atmosphere. It is no secret that each state has a different attitude to the United States. Some openly hate America, others simply tacitly fear, and still others sincerely admire this country. In any case, no matter how you relate to the Americans, it is worth recognizing that their history of rapid development is truly worthy of praise.
In the United States, thousands of ethnic groups and representatives of various denominations coexist, but at the same time, serious conflicts between them hardly arise. Natural riches, favorable climatic conditions, state programs and, of course, the work of ordinary people helped to turn the impregnable and undeveloped area occupied by the Indians into one of the most developed states on the planet. If you have a chance, by all means visit the United States of America - such a trip will definitely be remembered for a lifetime!