NORTH AMERICA.
37
impose on them, declared their independence in 1776,
And after some years of war, were finally acknowledged
independent by Great Britain in 1783. They then con-
sisted of thirteen States —New Hampshire, Massachn-
setts, Rhode Island, Connectieut, New York, New J erscy,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North and
South Carolinas, and Georgia. The population at this
period only amounted to 3,000,000.
Until 1862 negro slavery existed in all the Southern
States of the Union, and was the cause of constant dis-
sensions between them and the free States of the North
and West. "These dissensions culminated in a prolonged
and bloody war, which lasted from the accession of Presi-
dent Lincoln, early in 1861, until near the end of his
four years’ term of office, in 1865. "The result was the
entire overthrow of the slaveholding power of the South,
and the securing to the black population of their per-
sonal freedom, and all the other rights and privileges of
their white fellow-citizens.
The United States present the most remarkable ex-
ample of national progress and. of successful enterprise of
any country in the world. Although just a century old,
their foreign exports now amount to 850,000,000 dollars,
their imports to nearly as much, and their shipping to
close upon 5,500,000 tons. The national debt largely
increased during the civil war, but it is being rapidly
paid off, It now amounts to about 1,700,000,000 dollars,
besides the debts contracted by the separate States, The
annual revenue is about 360,000,000 dollars,
There is no country in the world, with the exception
of Great Britain, which possesses such a complete net-
work of railways and canals,
There is no established religion in the United States,
every denomination possessing equal privileges. Educa-
tion, especially in the Northern and Western States, is
generously aided, under the ınanagement of the different
State Governments.
Each State is divided into counties, as in the British
provinces,
"The States are usually classed under the heads of Kast-
ern. Middle. Southern, and Western.
EASTERN STATES.
The Eastern States, or New England, as they ara
sometimes called. commrise :
Stietes. Chief Townr,
Maine, .. ... =. Augusta, Portland, Bangor.
Now Hampshire, . Concord, Portsmouth. Manchester.
Vermont, ® Montpelier, Middlebury, Burlington
Massachusetts, » Boston, Lowell, Springfield, New Bedford.
Rhode Island, + Providence, Newport.
Connecticut, . + Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport.
The New England States occupy the north-eastern por-
tion of the United States, adjoining Canada. "The coun-
try is mountainous, and intersected by numerous lakes
and rivers, The Appalachian chain extends throuch the
aorthern part of the country, under the name of the
Green Mowntains in Vormont, and the White Mountains
in New Hampshire and Maine; the latter are so called
‘rom a few of their summits rising to an elevation of over
5,000 feet, and consequently bıing covered with snow
“or a great part of the year. The Connecticut River runs
‚rom north {, south, between and through four of the
States, into Long Island Sound.
The coast-line is much broken, being indented by
aumerous bays and harbors, with many small islands.
The coast is rocky, and dangerous fur navigation.
The climate resembles that of Ontzrio, but is rather
zolder in Maine. "The soil is in genoral rocky, and not
well adapted for agriculture; but in Vermont, particu-
larly, it is favorable for pasture.
The New England States are especially noted as being
‘he principal manufacturing districts of the United
States. "They were originally settled by the ‘“ Pilgrim
Fathers,” or ‘‘ Puritans ” — religious refugees who left
England during the reigns of James I. and Charles I.
Maine possesses fine harbors. The prineipal trade is
in lumber and the fisheries. Lumbering is carried on
axtensively in the northern part, chiefly on the St. John
River and its tributaries, and on the Penobscot.
Avgusta (8,000), the capital, is situated on the Kenne-
‚ec River. Portland (33,810), the largest and most im-
»ortant town, has a fine harbor, and is much resorted to
Tor sea-bathing. The Grand Trunk Railway of Canada
has its eastern terminus at Portland, Bangor (16,900) is
;:he second important town in Maine, and carries on a
‚arge lumber trade,
New Hampshire is very mountainous, and is famed
’or its beautiful scenery. It possesses very little sea-
z0ast. "The principal occupations of the inhabitants are
ıgriculture and the rearing of cattle.
Concord (14,000) is the capital. Portsmouth (10,000)
possesses a fine harbor and navy yard, and carries on
+xtensive fisheries. Manchester (33,000), Dover, and
Nashuan, are manufacturing towns. .
Vermont is an inland State, intersected by the Green
Mountains, which afford excellent and abundant pasture
;o large herds of cattle. Between Vermont and New
York States lies Zake Champlain, which, with Lake
Zeorge, is celehrated for its fine scenery, and for having
een the scene of many battles between the French and
English in early colonial days.
Montnpelier (3,000) is the capital. Middlebury and Bur-
nglon possess colleges.
Massachusetts is the richest and most populous of
‘he Eastern States, and the most important State in the
Inion for manufactures, chiefly consisting of cotion,
woollen, and leather goods.
The surface is hilly, and the soil rocky and poor, but
it is carefully eultivated.
