THE MAKING OF A NATION - Christmas in America During the 19th Century

英国圣诞节英语版介绍作文The origins of Christmas in the UK can be traced back to the pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations. During this time, ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival honoring the god Saturn. Similarly, ancient Greeks celebrated the festival of Kronia, which honored the god Kronos. These festivals were marked by feasting, gift-giving, and social merriment. With the advent of Christianity, the celebration of Christmas became intertwined with these pagan traditions and gradually evolved into the festival it is today.One of the most iconic customs associated with Christmas in the UK is the Christmas tree. The tradition of decorating a tree with ornaments and lights originated in Germany and was popularized in the UK during the Victorian era. Christmas trees are typically evergreen conifers, such as spruce or pine, and are adorned with tinsel, baubles, and fairy lights. Additionally, many households place a star or angel at the top of the tree to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus.Another prominent Christmas tradition in the UK is the Christmas dinner. Families gather on Christmas Day to enjoy a festive feast, typically consisting of roast turkey or goose, accompanied by stuffing, sprouts, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, and cranberry sauce. Yorkshire pudding, a batter-based dish, is also a popular addition to the meal. Christmas desserts in the UK often include Christmas pudding, a rich and fruity steamed pudding, and mince pies, small pastries filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices. Mulled wine, a warm spiced wine, is a popular alcoholic beverage served during the Christmas season.In the lead-up to Christmas, the UK is adorned with various decorations and lights. Streets and towns are adorned with festive lights, and many homes are decorated with wreaths, garlands, and fairy lights. The most famous Christmas lights display in the UK is in Oxford Street, London, where millions of lights illuminate the shopping district. Additionally, many towns and cities host Christmas markets, where visitors can purchase handmade crafts, festive food, and unique gifts.One of the most beloved traditions during the Christmas season in the UK is the singing of Christmas carols. Carols, which are religious hymns or songs, are sung in churches, schools, and public spaces throughout the country. Many communities organize carol singing events, where groups gather to sing traditional carols such as "Silent Night," "Away in a Manger," and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." In recent years, carol concerts featuring famous musicians and choirs have also become popular, drawing large crowds.The UK also has a rich tradition of Christmas pantomimes. Pantomimes are theatrical performances, often based on classic fairy tales, that are performed during the Christmas season. These performances typically involve audience participation, slapstick comedy, and cross-dressing actors. Pantomimes are popular among both children and adults and are an integral part of the British Christmas tradition.The exchange of gifts is another essential aspect of the UK's Christmas celebrations. On Christmas morning, children eagerly wake up to find presents left by Father Christmas (also known as Santa Claus) in their stockings or under the Christmas tree. In recent times, the tradition of gift-giving has extended beyond immediate family members, with colleagues, friends, and even pets receiving presents.In addition to these traditional customs, the UK also celebrates other unique events during the Christmas season. For instance, on the 26th of December, many parts of the UK celebrate Boxing Day, a holiday that traditionally involved the giving of gifts to servants and those in need. Boxing Day is often marked by charity events, football matches, and sales in retail stores. Another notable event is the televised Christmas broadcast by the British monarch, in which the reigning king or queen delivers a message to the nation, reflecting on the year that has passed and offering words of hope for the future.In conclusion, Christmas in the UK is a festive and joyous occasion that brings families and communities together. With its rich traditions, delicious food, and lively festivities, it is no wonder that Christmas is eagerly awaited and celebrated year after year. Whether it is decorating Christmas trees, enjoying a sumptuous feast, singing carols, or attending pantomimes, the people of the UK embrace the spirit of Christmas and spread cheer and goodwill to all.。

American History Series No. 121:Trial of Andrew JohnsonCongress acted in 1868 after the president dismissed the secretary of war. But the Senate found him not guilty by a single vote. Transcript of radio broadcast:Thursday, January 28, 2010Welcome to THE MAKING OF A NATION -- American history in VOA Special English.The Civil War ended in eighteen sixty-five. After that, tensions grew between Congress and the new president, Andrew Johnson.The Republican Party was still new. It was formed to oppose slavery. Radical members of the party controlled Congress. They wanted strong policies to punish the southern states that left the Union and lost the war.Standing in the way of the Republicans was Array Andrew Johnson, a Democrat. Thepresident opposed radical efforts to forcesolutions on the South. He vetoed anumber of programs that he thoughtinterfered with rights given to the states bythe Constitution.This week in our series, Kay Gallant andHarry Monroe continue the story ofAndrew Johnson President Andrew Johnson.In the congressional elections of eighteen sixty-six, radicals wonfirm control of both houses of Congress. They were able to pass a number of bills over the president's veto. But Johnson refused tostand aside in the face of radical attempts to seize all powers of government.This conflict between Johnson and the Congress caused much bitterness. Finally, the radicals decided to get him out of the way. For the first time in American history, Congress would try to remove the President from office.Under the United States Constitution, the House of Representatives has the power to bring charges against the president. The Senate acts as the jury to decide if the president is guilty of the charges. The chief justice of the United States serves as judge.If two-thirds of the senators find the president guilty, he can be removed from office.Radicals in the House of Representativesbrought eleven charges againstPresident Johnson.Most of the charges were based onJohnson's removal from office of hissecretary of war . Radicals charged thatthis violated a new law. The law said thepresident could not remove a cabinet officer without approval by the Senate. Johnson refused to recognize the law. He said it was not constitutional.Radicals in the House of Representatives also charged Johnson with criticizing Congress. They said his statements dishonored Congress and the presidency.The great impeachment trial began on March fifth, eighteensixty-eight. The president refused to attend. But his lawyers were there to defend him.Thaddeus Stevens speaks during the debate overimpeachment in the House of RepresentativesOne by one, the senators swore an oath to be just. They promised to make a fair and honest decision on the guilt or innocence of Andrew Johnson.A congressman from Massachusetts opened the case for the radicals. He told the senators not to think of themselves as members of any court. He said the Senate was a political body that was being asked to settle a political question. Was Johnson the right man for the White House? He said it was clear that Johnson wanted to overthrow Congress.Other radical Republicans then joined him in condemning Johnson. They made many charges. But they offered little evidence to support the charges.Johnson's lawyers called for facts, instead of emotion. They said the Constitution required the radicals to prove that the president had committed serious crimes. Andrew Johnson had committed no crime, they said. This was purely a political trial.They warned of serious damage to the American form of government if the president was removed for political reasons. No future president would be safe, they said, if opposed by a majority of the House and two-thirds of the Senate.The trial went on day after day. The Array decision would be close. Fifty-foursenators would be voting. Thirty-sixvotes of guilty were needed toremove the president from office.It soon became clear that the radicalshad thirty-five of these votes. Onlyseven senators remained undecided.The impeachment trialIf one of the seven voted guilty,Johnson would be removed.Radicals put great pressure on the seven men. They tried to buytheir votes. Party leaders threatened them. Supporters in the senators' home states were told to write hundreds of letters demanding that Johnson be found guilty.A senator from Maine was one who felt the pressure. But he refused to let it force him to do what others wished. He answered one letter this way:"Sir , I wish you and all my other friends to know that I, not they, am sitting in judgment upon the president. I, not they, have sworn to do impartial justice. I, not they, am responsible to God and man for my action and its results."A senator from Kansas was another who refused to let pressure decide his vote. He said, "I trust that I shall have the courage to vote as I judge best."In the final days before the vote, six of the seven remainingRepublican senators let it be known that they would vote not guilty. But the senator from Kansas still refused to say what his vote would be. His was the only vote still in question. His vote would decide the issue.Now, the pressure on him increased. Hisbrother was offered twenty thousanddollars for information about how thesenator would vote. Everywhere heturned, he found someone demandingthat he vote guilty.The vote took place on May sixteenth.Every seat in the big Senate room was filled. The chief justice began to call on the senators. One by one, they answered guilty or not guilty. Finally, he called the name of the senator from Kansas.The senator stood up. He looked about him. Every voice was still.The vote of Senator Edmund Ross of Kansas saved thepresidency of Andrew JohnsonEvery eye was upon him."It was like looking down into an open grave," he said later. "Friendship, position, wealth -- everything that makes life desirable to an ambitious man -- were about to be swept away by my answer."He spoke softly. Many could not hear him. The chief justice asked him to repeat his vote. This time, the answer was clearly heard across the room: "Not guilty."The trial was all but done. Remaining senators voted as expected. The chief justice announced the result. On the first charge,thirty-five senators voted that President Johnson was guilty. Nineteen voted that he was not guilty. The radicals had failed by one vote.When the Senate voted on the other charges, the result was the same. The radicals could not get the two-thirds majority they needed. President Johnson was declared not guilty.Radical leaders and newspapers bitterly denounced the small group of Republican senators who refused to vote guilty. They called them traitors. Friends and supporters condemned them. None wasre-elected to the Senate or to any other government office.It was a heavy price to pay. And yet, they were sure they had done the right thing. The senator from Kansas told his wife, "The millions of men cursing me today will bless me tomorrow for having saved the country from the greatest threat it ever faced."He was right. The trial of Andrew Johnson was an important turning point in the making of the American nation.His removal from office would have established the idea that the president could serve only with the approval of Congress. The president would have become, in effect, a prime minister. He would have to depend on the support of Congress to remain in office.Johnson's victory kept alive the idea of an independent presidency. However, the vote did not end the conflict between Congress and the White House over the future of the South.That will be our story in the next program of THE MAKING OF A NATION.Our program was written by David Jarmul and Frank Beardsley. The narrators were Kay Gallant and Harry Monroe. Transcripts, podcasts and historical images from our series are at . You can also comment on our programs. And you can follow us on Twitter at VOA Learning English. Join us again next week for THE MAKING OF A NATION -- an American history series in VOA Special English.。

十二月圣诞节介绍英文作文Introduction:December, the most magical month of the year, brings forth an atmosphere of joy, love, and festivities. With the centerpiece being Christmas, this holiday has gained international recognition and is celebrated in various ways across different cultures and countries. In this article, we will explore the origins, traditions, and unique customs associated with Christmas in December, how it is celebrated around the world, and the significance it holds for millions of people globally.1. Origin and History of Christmas:Christmas, derived from the Old English "Cristes Maesse" meaning "Christ's Mass," commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. While the actual date of Christ's birth is uncertain, December 25th was chosen by the early Christian church to coincide with existing pagan festivals, such as the Roman Saturnalia and the celebration of the winter solstice.2. Traditional Christmas Symbols and Decorations:2.1 Christmas Trees:One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is the Christmas tree. Originating from Germany, this tradition has spread across the globe. Families decorate evergreen trees with lights, ornaments, and garlands, often topped with a star or an angel to represent the Star of Bethlehem.2.2 Santa Claus:The jolly, red-suited Santa Claus, also known as St. Nicholas, has become an integral part of the Christmas celebration. The tradition of Santa Claus can be traced back to various historical figures, such as Saint Nicholas and Sinterklaas. Children eagerly await his arrival on Christmas Eve to receive gifts, which he delivers by climbing down chimneys.2.3 Christmas Stockings:The practice of hanging stockings by the fireplace, hoping that Santa Claus will fill them with gifts, is another beloved Christmas tradition. This custom is said to have originated from St. Nicholas, who secretly gave gold coins to three sisters by throwing them into their stockings, which were drying by the fire.2.4 Mistletoe:Mistletoe, a plant believed to possess magical powers, is associated with love and fertility. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe originates from ancient Norse mythology. It is said that enemies who met under the mistletoe would lay down their arms and declare a truce.2.5 Poinsettias:Poinsettias are vibrant red flowers that have become synonymous with Christmas. This association originated from a Mexican legend in which a poor girl named Pepita offered a humble gift of weeds, which miraculously transformed into beautiful red flowers when placed on the altar of a church.3. Christmas Celebrations Around the World:3.1 United States:In the United States, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and spreading goodwill. The holiday season is marked by the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by Black Friday, where massive sales attract shoppers. Traditional Christmas meals often include roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Cities and towns are adorned with extensive decorations, and people enjoy various festivities, including caroling and ice skating.3.2 United Kingdom:Christmas celebrations in the United Kingdom are steeped in centuries-old traditions. The lighting of Christmas lights in towns and the switching on of the famous Oxford Street lights in London signify the start of the season. Christmas markets, known as "Christmas fairs," are set up across the country, offering a variety of crafts, goodies, and entertainment. Traditional Christmas meals include roast turkey, Christmas pudding, and mince pies. Additionally, the Queen's Christmas message is eagerly awaited by the nation.3.3 Germany:Germany is renowned for its traditional Christmas markets, known as "Christkindlmarkt." These markets showcase handmade crafts, ornaments, and warm food and drinks. One of the most famous German Christmas traditions is the Advent calendar, which marks the countdown to Christmas. Traditional dishes such as Stollen, a fruitcake-like bread, and Lebkuchen, a gingerbread-like cookie, are enjoyed during the holiday season.3.4 Mexico:In Mexico, Christmas celebrations take place throughout December, beginning with Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Piñatas, filled with candies and small toys, are broken during parties, and traditional dishes such as tamales and bacalao (codfish) are savored. The festivities culminate with the arrival of the Three Wise Men, who bring gifts for children on January6th, also known as Epiphany or Three Kings' Day.3.5 Australia:Christmas in Australia falls during the summer, making it a unique experience. Instead of snow and cold weather, Australians celebrate with beach barbecues, outdoor activities, and picnics. The festive season is marked by festive lights and decorations, and Santa Claus sometimes swaps his traditional red suit and hat for a more summer-appropriate attire. Popular Christmas treats include pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruits, and of course, the beloved Christmas pudding.4. The Spirit of Giving and Charity:Christmas has always been associated with the spirit of giving and spreading goodwill. Charitable acts such as donating to food banks, adopting needy families, and volunteering at soup kitchens are prevalent during this season. Many organizations and companies also partake in fundraising initiatives to provide aid to those in need.5. Conclusion:Christmas in December is a time of joy, love, and celebrations around the world. The traditions and customs associated with this festival transcend borders, connecting individuals from different cultures and communities. From the religious significance to the festive decorations, Christmas brings a warmth and magical atmosphere that unites people in the spirit of sharing, giving, and love.。

THE MAKING OF A NATION #1 – IntroductionWritten by Paul Thompson(THEME)VOICE ONE:This is Mary Tillotson.VOICE TWO:And this is Steve Ember with the MAKING OF A NATION, a VOA Special English program about the history of the United States. Today, we begin the series of more than two-hundred programs about American history.(THEME)VOICE ONE:Each week at this time we will tell a story from the history of the United States of America. THE MAKING OF A NATION is really a series of lessons. These lessons include ancient history, modern history, exploration, revolution, politics, civil war, industrial expansion and modern technology.Our first program in the series tells about the first people who came to the Western Hemisphere. The story will continue to show what happened as time passed. What is news today will become history tomorrow. And that history becomes a new and important part of THE MAKING OF A NATION.VOICE TWO:THE MAKING OF A NATION answers questions about American history. How was the United States formed? Why was it necessary for loyal citizens to rebel against one nation and form a new nation with different laws? What was missing in their older form of government that would cause them to begin a rebellion?We explain how a group of farmers, businessmen and lawyers could write a document called the Constitution of the United States. And we explain why that document is still extremely important today. The answers to those questions and the writing of the Constitution resulted in the creation ofthe United States of America. The Constitution of the United States has been used by more than one government as a guide to creating a modern democracy.VOICE ONE:In other programs, we explain why it was necessary for those who formed the United States to include laws that guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of religion. We tell why they thought it was important to guarantee every citizen the right to write, print and publish material on any subject. And we explain why they felt there was a need to include a law that guaranteed a person the right to a fair and public trial if that person was charged with a crime.VOICE TWO:The American Revolution was fought for several reasons. One of the most important was the idea that citizens of a country should have a voice in its decisions. The men who led the revolt against Britain wanted to be able to vote. They agreed that a citizen should have a voice in the government that ruled his country. British citizens in the American colonies paid taxes but had no representative in the British Parliament. This lack of representation caused a growing anger in the American colonies.When the men who led the revolt against Britain formed a new government they made sure that all free men who owned land and paid taxes were permitted to vote. More importantly they decided that any free citizen could be a candidate for public office.Our series of programs explains this idea. These programs describe the elections of each American president. We tell why some candidates were successful and why others failed.We also tell about mistakes that were made when the United States was created. The greatest mistake was slavery. We tell about slavery and the pain and suffering it caused for all those involved. We tell of the great Civil War that was fought to keep the United States united and to end slavery.We also tell how election laws were changed to permit any citizen over the age of eighteen to vote in local and national elections.VOICE ONE:Many of our programs tell about the ideas and issues that had a great effect on the United States. But most importantly, we tell about the people who worked with these ideas and issues to make the United States a successful nation.We tell about George Washington. He began life as a farmer. He became a military commander and the first president of the United States. He became a soldier because his country needed him. He became president because the citizens of the new country wanted him as their leader. When his time as president was over, George Washington gave up power and once again became a farmer and a private citizen.Graphic ImageWe tell about Thomas Jefferson. He wrote the beautiful words of the Declaration of Independence. That document told the world that the people in this new country would no longer answer to a European ruler.VOICE TWO:Some of the men who formed the United States into a nation during the seventeen-hundreds were well educated and wealthy. Abraham Lincoln was not. He was proof that in a nation of equal laws, a poor man could rise to become the president of the United States.Abraham Lincoln became president during the eighteen-sixties when several southern states decided they no longer wanted to be part of the United States. We tell how President Lincoln dealt with the terrible Civil War that almost split the country apart.VOICE ONE:One of our programs deals with a speech that President Lincoln gave in the little town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A great battle had been fought there. President Lincoln had been asked to come to Gettysburg to say a few words at the dedication of a military burial place.What he said that day became one of the most famous speeches in the English language. President Lincoln's speech honored the young men who had died on that bloody battlefield. He also told the world why the terrible war was being fought and why it was so important.Listen to the first sentence of his famous speech. In only a few words, President Lincoln explained the idea that was, and is still, so important to each citizen of the United States.VOICE THREE:"Four Score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."You can hear all of President Lincoln's famous words in our program about his speech at Gettysburg. We tell how he wrote the speech. And we tell about the sadness he felt because he believed his few words had been a failure. The story of the famous Gettysburg Address is only one of several programs that tell the story of Abraham Lincoln.VOICE TWO:THE MAKING OF A NATION includes programs about many different subjects. We tell about culture. We tell about social changes. For example, we tell about a time called the Roaring Twenties. They were the years from nineteen-twenty to nineteen-twenty nine.It was a time when young men and women began to change some of the traditions of their parents and grandparents. The Roaring Twenties were years of revolution in social values among some Americans.Movies were new and exciting. Music was changing. And newspapers were printing as many as five editions a day to present the latest news. By the end of the Roaring Twenties, radios could be found in most American homes. And a young pilot named Charles Lindbergh flew a small plane from the United States to an airport near Paris, France. He became a world hero for flying alone across the Atlantic Ocean.VOICE ONE:The Roaring Twenties ended with a crash. That crash was the beginning of the worst economic crisis in American history. The economic crisis was called the Great Depression. The MAKING OF A NATION explains what caused this depression. We tell how millions of Americans were without work. We tell the sad story of people who lost their jobs, their homes and their hope for the future. We tell how this great economic failure affected Americans and the rest of the world.VOICE TWO:We also tell about the administration of President Franklin Roosevelt. He was elected to office with a promise that he would bring the United States out of the Great Depression. Franklin Roosevelt served longer than any other president in American history.We tell about the elections and administrations of the presidents elected since that time. We tell about World War One, World War Two and other wars. And we tell about the social, cultural and historic events that were important to the growth of the United States as a nation.(THEME)VOICE ONE:This VOA Special English program THE MAKING OF A NATION was written and produced by Paul Thompson. This is Mary Tillotson.VOICE TWO:And this is Steve Ember.The first of more than two-hundred programs in this series begins next week at this time. We tell about the first humans to come to the Western Hemisphere. Join us for this special story on THE MAKING OF A NATION.。

美国圣诞节做什么英语作文The origins of Christmas in the United States can be traced back to European settlers, who brought their traditions and customs with them. One fascinating aspect of American Christmas celebrations is the different influences that have shaped its traditions. The Puritans, for example, did not celebrate Christmas as it was considered too frivolous. However, the Dutch settlers in New York introduced the tradition of Santa Claus, which eventually became an integral part of the holiday.One of the main symbols associated with Christmas in the United States is the Christmas tree. Each year, millions of Americans decorate their homes with evergreen trees adorned with ornaments, lights, and tinsel. The tradition of the Christmas tree originated in Germany and was brought to America by German immigrants in the 19th century. Today, families gather around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts and create lasting memories.Another popular tradition during the Christmas season is the hanging of stockings. Children eagerly hang their stockings by the fireplace, hoping that Santa Claus will fill them with small presents and treats. This tradition dates back to the legend of St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity. Over time, St. Nicholas evolved into the modern-day Santa Claus, a jolly old man with a white beard, red suit, and a sleigh pulled by reindeer. One of the most anticipated activities in the lead up to Christmas is the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. Since 1923, this event has marked the official start of the holiday season and is attended by thousands of people. The President, along with their family, participates in the lighting ceremony, spreading holiday cheer to the nation.For many Americans, Christmas is synonymous with shopping. The holiday season is the busiest time of year for retail stores, as people rush to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marks the start of the Christmas shopping season and is known for its massive discounts and sales. Many people also enjoy browsing through beautifully decorated department stores and outdoor Christmas markets, soaking in the festive atmosphere.Christmas Eve is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many Americans attend midnight Mass or other religious services to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Afterwards, families gather for a feast, which often includes traditional dishes such as roast turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Some families exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, while others wait until Christmas morning.Christmas Day is a time for families to relax, enjoy each other's company, and indulge in the joy of exchanging gifts. Children wake up early, excited to open their presents from Santa Claus. Families often enjoy a special breakfast together, and then spend the day playing games, watching Christmas movies, and simply enjoying each other's company. It is a day of gratitude, love, and reflection.Christmas in America is not just a religious holiday; it is also a time to give back to the community. Many people participate in charitable activities, such as volunteering at soup kitchens, donating toys to children in need, or organizing fundraisers for those less fortunate. The spirit of giving is a significant aspect of the holiday season, and many Americans embrace this opportunity to help others.In conclusion, Christmas in the United States is a cherished holiday filled with rich traditions and customs. From decorating Christmas trees and hanging stockings to attending religious services and exchanging gifts, Americans eagerly anticipate the arrival of December 25th. It is a time of joy, love, and togetherness as families come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and create lifelong memories.。

THE MAKING OF A NATION #16 - Transition to Constitution (THEME)VOICE ONE:This is Frank Oliver.VOICE TWO:And this is Tony Riggs with the Special English history program THE MAKING OF A NATION.(THEME)VOICE ONE:Change has always been part of the history of the United States. Yet there has been very little national conflict. In more than two-hundred years, only one civil war was fought.变化一直是美国历史的一部分。

然而国家冲突很少。

在二百多年的时间里，只有一场内战爆发了。

In that war, during the Eighteen-Sixties, Northern states and Southern states fought against each other. Their bitter argument involved the right of the South to leave the Union and to deal with issues -- especially the issue of slavery -- in its own way.在那次战争中，十八世纪六十年代，北方各州和南方各州相互争斗。

他们激烈的争论涉及南方脱离联邦和以自己的方式处理问题——特别是奴隶制问题的权利。

VOICE TWO:America's civil war lasted four years. Six-hundred-thousand men were killed or wounded. In the end, the slaves were freed, and the Union was saved.美国内战持续了四年。

THE MAKING OF A NATION #10 - The French and Indian War (THEME)VOICE ONE:This is Rich Kleinfeldt.VOICE TWO:And this is Sarah Long with the MAKING OF A NATION, A VOA Special English program about the history of the United States.(THEME)Today, we tell about the conflicts among the nations in Europe during the eighteenth century and how they affected North America.VOICE ONE:During the Eighteenth Century, Spain, France and Britain controlled land in North America. Spain controlled Florida. France was powerful in the northern and central areas. Britain controlled the east. All three nations knew they could not exist together peacefully in North America. The situation could only be settled by war.十八世纪，西班牙、法国和英国控制了北美洲的土地。

西班牙控制的佛罗里达州。

法国在北部和中部地区势力强大。

英国控制东部。

这三个国家都知道他们不能在北美洲和平共处。

局势只有通过战争才能解决。

The powerful European nations already were fighting each other for land and money all over the world. These small wars continued for more than one-hundred years. They were called King William's War, Queen Anne's War, King George's War and the French and Indian War.强大的欧洲国家已经在世界各地争夺土地和金钱。