Page 3 - July 2018 Gears & Ears

Gears and Ears

Journal of The Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista
July 2018
Happy Birthday America!

This month, the United States of America turns 242 years young.

The history of the United States began with the settlement of Indigenous people

before 15,000 BC. Numerous cultures formed. The arrival of Christopher Columbus
in 1492 started the European colonization of the Americas. Most colonies formed
after 1600. By the 1770s, thirteen British colonies contained 2.5 million people along
the Atlantic coast east of the Appalachian Mountains. After defeating France, the
British government imposed a series of new taxes after 1765, rejecting the colonists’
argument that new taxes needed their approval (see Stamp Act 1765). Tax resistance,
especially the Boston Tea Party (1773), led to punitive laws by Parliament designed

to end self-government in Massachusetts. Armed conflict began in 1775. In 1776, the
Second Continental Congress declared a new, independent nation: the United States
of America. Led by General George Washington, it won the Revolutionary War with
large support from France.

Interesting Facts About the United States

The United States is the 4th largest country in the world by land area and
3rd by population.

The current 50-star flag was designed by 17 year old as a school project.
He got a B-.

The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers combine to form the longest river system in US
and 4th in the world.

There is enought water in Lake Superior to cover the entire land mass of
North America 1 foot deep.
Celebrate Safely

Make your 4th safe so your 5th is happy.

Grill with plenty of ventilation.
Designate a driver if you are planning on drinking.

Use fireworks as directed.
Protect yourself from sun exposure.

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