Introduction
Mississippi is a river that creates the eastern boundary of the United States. It is the second longest river in the United States, extending over 2000 miles from its beginnings in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi river is a vital resource for transportation and commerce, and its cultural and historical importance is strong in the American South, particularly the states that are east of the Mississippi. There is, however, debate over whether the states east of the Mississippi should still be considered part of Mississippi today.
History
The eastern states of Mississippi were, for a time, part of the original Mississippi Territory. This was under the same jurisdiction as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and formed part of the newly formed United States of America. This, however, only survived for a short period of time before being broken into its own state, the sovereign state of Mississippi, which was declared in 1817. This marks the official beginning of the Mississippi we know today – a divided nation between Mississippi, largely made up of former American colonists, and the states east of the Mississippi which have retained their autonomy since American independence.
Economic Factors
The Mississippi River has had a strong influence on the economies of the states east of the Mississippi. The river has provided countless volumes of trade and transportation, as well as resources such as food and fuel. It has also been the source of major infrastructure projects such as dams, bridges, and levees built to facilitate shipping across the Mississippi. Additionally, the river provides direct employment to thousands of people in fishing, cargo transport and other related industries.
Political Considerations
Politically, the states east of the Mississippi are still firmly part of the United States of America, and are subject to the same laws and governance that affects other states. There has never been any real attempt to have the states declared as a separate entity or to have them independent from the Union. That said, there are still a significant amount of cultural differences between the states east of the Mississippi and the rest of the nation, most likely due to influences from the regions’ colonial past.In addition to this, each state has its own unique laws and regulations that could be seen as evidence of their autonomy.
Social Aspects
Additionally, there is a strong sense of community among the states east of the Mississippi. While there is no tangible boundary that separates the states east of the Mississippi, there is a strong cultural identity. This is most evident in the area’s cuisine, music, worship practices and language. These factors make it clear that while these states may share a geographical boundary with Mississippi, they are very much their own distinct societies.
Public Opinion
It is difficult to draw a consensus among the general public on whether the states east of the Mississippi should still be considered part of Mississippi. It is clear, however, that those living in the region are fiercely proud of their identity and are quick to point out the unique qualities that make the states east of the Mississippi what they are today. This sense of pride has enabled the states east of the Mississippi to retain their autonomy from Mississippi despite the close geographical ties between the two.
Educational Impact
The impact the Mississippi River has had on education in the states east of the Mississippi is undeniable. Not only does the river provide educational opportunities within itself, such as history and geography excursions, or learning about the various wildlife inhabiting its banks, but it also acts as a source of inspiration for students studying and researching topics related to the region. The river has been the focus of many paintings, films, books and articles throughout the years, leading to an increased understanding of the interactions between the river, its environment and its people.
Environmental Issues
In recent years, the states east of the Mississippi have become more aware of the environmental issues that come with the Mississippi River. Pollution is the most serious problem, with a wide range of contaminants and pollutants entering the waters, endangering its wildlife and the health of its inhabitants. Events such as oil spills and chemical dumps,as well as agricultural runoff, pose a greater risk to the ecology of the river. In response, many organizations and individuals have taken steps to reduce and mitigate the damage caused by human activities.
Cultural Impact
The Mississippi River has had a strong impact on the culture of the states east of the Mississippi as well. Whether it’s the music, literature, cuisine or architecture, all are heavily influenced by the river, highlighting its importance in the region. It’s no surprise then that the river forms such a strong part of the identity of the states east of the Mississippi, and it’s this sense of identity that has helped the states remain distinct from Mississippi itself.
Legal Implications
The legal implications of this debate are not as clear-cut as the other factors, since there is no overarching body or agreement to determine the legal status of the states east of the Mississippi. Therefore, it is mostly a matter of interpretation by the federal government and the individual states themselves. Generally speaking, the states east of the Mississippi have the same rights and responsibilities as the rest of the United States, with some minor differences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the states east of the Mississippi are geographically and culturally distinct from Mississippi itself, they are still part of the United States and still contribute greatly to the economy and culture of the nation. The debate over whether they should continue to be considered part of Mississippi or not is one that is unlikely to be resolved any time soon,but the fact remains that the states east of the Mississippi are an integral part of the United States and contribute significantly to the culture and economy of the nation.
