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15th Century & Before: Land of Many Peoples 

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15th Century & Before: Land of Many Peoples 

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Native Americans were scattered throughout the Americas

From small tribes to bustling civilizations, each had unique cultures, languages, and practices

Pictured: Sioux Tribe

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15th, 16th and 17th Centuries: European Influence

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15th, 16th and 17th Centuries: European Influence

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Native American and European cultures collided: European nations began trading in and colonizing the Americas creating an experimental melting pot

European Colonies had established themselves in America- these “Neo European” settlements became increasingly important to the European economy, relying on African slave labor to supply the increasing demand for cash crops

Powerful Native American tribes, strengthened by trade alliances with Europeans, absorbed smaller groups and were pushed west (however many died out due to new diseases brought by the Europeans and conflicts between each other or the settlers)

Tensions rose between European nations over who would ultimately gain control over the new land

Pictured: Jamestown Fort (est. 1610)

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British colonies became prominent on the North Atlantic coast, attracting more and more settlers from Britain (either very well-off or very poor) and forming near-independent economies and lifestyles

As their independence grew, the colonies became increasingly agitated by British rule and eventually gained independence, forming a new nation upon the progressive new ideals of freedom and equality (even if only for rich white men)

Pictured: “Common Sense” pamphlet by Thomas Paine (published 1776)

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Political parties formed about how to govern the growing nation as the US grew in size and relevance

Ideals such as the Manifest Destiny prompted the US to spread its reaches- previously French and Mexican western territories were becoming more significant to the US economy, attracting eastern pioneers and creating a completely different western culture

Economic expansion was fueled by an industrial revolution in the north and the increasing productivity of plantations in the south- the US was becoming recognized as a viable country world wide

Pictured: 18th century plantation

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As US politics evolved, the issue of slavery especially was growing in urgency and import; the rebel southern states believed in the virtues of slave labor while the north opposed it, leading to a long bloody war which the capital eventually won and abolished slavery

The US government tried to update the south in terms of politics and economy and assimilate both ex-slave owners and freed slaves with the rest of the US during Reconstruction after the Civil War

Pictured: freed slaves during the Reconstruction era

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Americans everywhere were more connected through modern technology; they had more leisure time which sparked a rise in outdoor recreation, education, and art (especially in the black community)

There was an increase in social activism; women and African Americans were gaining a voice in society and pushing for equality, and Progressives were advocating for social reforms to end poverty and corruption

Immigration was at an all time high, transforming America into a melting pot of cultures like no other country, creating conflicts and advantages

American Imperialism prompted the US to establish itself as a world power and was strengthened by WWI, creating a booming society, the Roaring Twenties

Pictured: Suffragettes c. 1900

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Extreme economic recession placed the US economy and morale at an all time low

FDR’s New Deal gave the US government a role in the everyday lives of its citizens

Many people believed the government had a duty to supply everyone with work, housing, and healthcare

Pictured: A mother and her children during the Great Depression

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The US tried to maintain its isolationist policies, but was forced into WWII after it was directly attacked from Pearl Harbor

Propaganda encouraged support of the war effort, and stressed patriotism, sacrifice, and loyalty

Racism toward minorities, especially African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Japanese-Americans was extremely unjust; made apparent by events like the Japanese internment and various race riots

Pictured: WWII propaganda poster