Unit 1: Exploration and Colonialism

Native Americans/ Exploration

Native American tribes had existed for centuries, since the time of the ice bridge spanning the space between Russia and Alaska, creating unique cultures, societies and religions of their own without foreign influence.

Europeans began to look beyond thier own contenient following the Enlightenment, resulting in the exploration of North and South America, Asia and the Pacific islands by the majority of the European powers.

America Before Columbus

North American Colonies

North America was colonized by many of the most powerful European empires during the period of European exploration. The Dutch, Spanish, French and the British all set up their own colonies in the "New World", with hopes of securing riches from the land. However, many of these colonies transformed through the generations into their own productive communities, independent of the mother nation. The tension over independence led to conflict in several of the colonies of the Americas.