Illinois: A History of Holding Hands (Across Borders, That Is)
Ah, Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, deep dish pizza, and a surprisingly dramatic past when it came to international ownership. You might think, "Isn't it just part of the good ol' US of A?" Well, my friend, buckle up for a history lesson that's more interesting than memorizing state capitals (unless you're into that, no judgment).
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| What Two Countries Once Owned The Illinois Area |
From French Fries to French Fur Traders: The Gallic Grab (1673-1763)
First up, we have the French. Yes, the people who brought us croissants and the metric system (which America still stubbornly avoids) also had their sights set on Illinois. Explorers like Marquette and Jolliet were like the Lewis and Clark of their time, only with better berets and a serious passion for fur trading. They claimed the area for France, establishing settlements, forts, and a whole lot of "ooh la la" along the Mississippi River.
Fun Fact: The French called the region "Illinois Country," which sounds way more fancy than just "Illinois."
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
From Baguettes to Buttered Toast: The British Takeover (1763-1783)
Then came the rumble in the jungle...well, not exactly a jungle, but the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Britain emerged victorious, and guess what one of the spoils of war was? Illinois! The French, ever the gracious losers (okay, maybe not), handed over the territory in the Treaty of Paris, most likely muttering something about the "dreaded deep dish" under their breath.
Side Note: The British weren't exactly the most popular rulers in Illinois. Their policies weren't exactly "winning hearts and minds," and the Native American population wasn't thrilled either.
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
From Union Jacks to Stars and Stripes: The American Arrival (1783-Present)
Finally, the American Revolutionary War rolled around (1775-1783), and the colonists, including those Illinois settlers, were like, "Hey, we want freedom too!" After the dust settled, Illinois officially became part of the United States.
So, there you have it! Illinois went from French fur trade to British...well, whatever the British did, to becoming a proud American state. Quite the journey, wouldn't you say?
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
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FAQ: Illinois - International Hotspot (Once Upon a Time)
How to sound sophisticated while talking about Illinois history?
Drop the name "Illinois Country" casually in conversation. Bonus points for a beret.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
How to confuse your friends about Illinois' past?
Tell them the British invented deep dish pizza there. Prepare for the inevitable arguments.
How to avoid an international incident while visiting Illinois?
Refrain from yelling "Vive la France!" or singing "God Save the Queen" too loudly.
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