The provided text is an extensive excerpt from a Wikipedia article about the state of Missouri , offering a comprehensive overview of its characteristics and history. The information covers a vast array of topics, beginning with the state’s etymology, pronunciation, and nicknames like the "Show Me State." Subsequent sections detail Missouri’s history , from its early habitation and French/Spanish influence to its admission as a slave state, its complex role in the American Civil War, and 20th and 21st-century developments including social unrest and economic growth. The document also meticulously outlines Missouri's geography (including climate and topography), demographics (population, race, and religion), economy (major industries, taxation, and energy), and culture (music, literature, and sports). Finally, it addresses the state's government and politics , including its legal stance on alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, and its education and transportation infrastructure.
