
Early American history
Early American history encompasses the period from Indigenous cultures before European contact through the establishment of the United States around 1789. It includes the arrival of Columbus in 1492, leading to colonization by European powers, particularly England, France, and Spain. Key events include the American Revolution (1775-1783), where colonists fought for independence from British rule, and the drafting of foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution (1787). This era shaped the nation’s values, governance, and social structure, setting the stage for future developments in American society.