Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.
Initially, America was hidden in ice, and during the ice age, which took place tens of thousands of years ago, snow covered most of the territory. However, over time, fertile lands opened under the ice, which later became an aid for the development of farming. In addition, originally, South and North America were different continents. 8 million years ago they were united into one region: Panama. Thus, North America became available for colonization, and the first people began to appear there. Unfortunately, there is still no exact data on who first arrived in America.
Unlike Africa, Europe, and Asia, the continent of North America was settled quite late, about 15,000 years ago. Perhaps the pioneers crossed the Bering Strait and settled in a vast territory from the south (Aztecs, Mayans) to the north (for example, the Inuit). Due to natural isolation, fragmented communities have developed their own cultures. The wave of migration of Eskimos and Inuit for several millennia BC. e. was the last of the Native American people. According to the established tradition, they, except for the Eskimos and Aleuts, bore the false name given to them by the Europeans as American Indians.
One of the theories of the colonization of America is associated with the travel of the Vikings. During the Viking Age (IX-XI centuries), the Scandinavians traveled to trade, hunt, and loot. Around 860, the Vikings discovered the island, calling it Iceland, and established several colonies there. Making frequent voyages to the West, the Vikings are now believed to be the first Europeans to visit America. In addition, the first genetic contact between Europeans and the inhabitants of North America occurred during the Viking Age.
Later, in 1002, one of the Viking travelers founded a settlement in America. However, the Vikings were soon attacked by local Indians, whom they called Skirling. Apparently, these were the Algonquian tribes who inhabited the mainland at that time. Thus, the leader of the group of travelers fell in battle, and the companions returned home. The descendants made two more attempts to colonize the country. Having settled in America, they succeeded in trade but still left America. The second attempt was also unsuccessful: it was impossible to establish good relations with the Indians, so the Vikings left the mainland. Thus, the settlement in America lasted for several decades.
The discovery of America was traditionally dated to the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries, 1492. At that time, the Columbus expedition reached the islands of the West Indies (Corbett et al. 87). The colonization by Europeans caused the destruction of several pre-Columbian civilizations. It became a demographic disaster for the American Indians, causing high levels of emigration from the Old World and the importation of African slaves.
During colonization, Europeans encountered other indigenous peoples such as the Incas, Mayans, and Aztecs. This led to a severe struggle for territory, but the Europeans had more advanced technology and strategic skills and were able to conquer the land. However, the legacy of these ancient civilizations still remains valuable and significant for American history and attracts researchers.
Then, the continent became the basis for the intersection of interests of Great Britain, France, and Spain. As a result of all these conquests and discoveries, numerous territories in America were shared by the Europeans: England, France, Spain, Portugal, Russia, and the Netherlands. Thus, the colonization of America became a long and warlike process, which, however, ultimately led to the formation of a large and prosperous country.
Work Cited
Corbett, Scott, Janssen, Volker, and Lund, John. U. S. History. Samurai Media Limited, 2017.
Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.