Mark Twain grew up on the Mississippi River in Hannibal, Missouri, and the Mississippi is virtually a character in his classic novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884). Twain’s description of the antebellum steamboat era in Life on the Mississippi (1883), was based on his own experiences.
Why is Mark Twain associated with the Mississippi River?
Who are historically the U.S.’s allies?
The U.S. maintains alliances with dozens of countries through international bodies such as NATO and the Organization of American States. Traditionally, the U.S. has been particularly close to the United Kingdom, and ties between the countries and their leaders have become known as “the special relationship.” The U.S. and Canada are partners in NORAD, a joint military command that provides aerospace and maritime security for North America.