American History: From Colonies to Superpower

America wasn’t discovered by accident. It was already home to millions of people.

For thousands of years, Indigenous nations lived across the land, with thriving cities,

trade routes, and complex governments. Then in 1492, European exploration changed everything,

not because the land was empty, but because power was shifting. Spain arrived first,

followed by France and England. In 1607, Jamestown almost failed because settlers weren’t

prepared. Colonization expanded slavery, as enslaved Africans were forced to build wealth they

would never benefit from. Control from Europe tightened, taxes increased,

and tensions rose. What began as profit turned into a push for independence.