In 1492, an Italian explorer voyaging for the Spanish nation reached an island (near present day Bahamas) which was believed to be Asia but with proceeding explorations it was recognized as a "new land". The discovery launched centuries of European exploration and colonization of the American continent.

Lead by Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes and aided by indigenous allies this caused the Aztec empire to succumb to their forces which resulted in brutal consequences for the indigenous people, destroying the Aztec Empire and colonization of the region by the Spanish.

Established by Sir Walter Raleigh on Roanoke Island (present day North Carolina) was one of the first English attempts at a permanent colony in the Americas. It mysteriously failed as settlers disappeared without any evidence of where they went.

This was a conflict between Native American tribes and English settlers in the New England colonies. The conflict was over land and culture. It led to a lot of destruction and mass fatality. Ultimately, the English prevailed and it lead to increasing colonial dominance going against Native Americans in the region.

This conflict, taking place in colonial Virginia was between some settlers (Bacon) and the colonial government over economic disparities, political corruption and Native American conflicts. Bacon's forces initially succeeded but then collapsed after his death and it led to increased colonial control which came with racial hierarchies and greater elite power.