This collection uses primary sources to explain the early exploration of the Americas.

Looks at migration theories proposed in regard to the early peopling of the Americas, European colonization, early agriculture and culture. Also looks at contemporary indigenous groups, then groups within each country in the Americas.

This sample task contains a set of primary and authentic sources about the early colonization of North America.

Given short summaries about the reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America, students will compare English and Spanish settlements in the New World.

Visit such Spanish sites in Puerto Rico as El Morro, the fort that provided the keystone to protection of the Spanish Empire that spread across the Caribbean. Many photographs and drawings.

[Free Registration/Login Required] An overview of all the materials that are available to students to explore the colonization and settlement of the Americas.

Across Europe, many powerful individuals sought to acquire objects taken from the Americas, as a way to know the unknown, to exert some control over the colonial processes underway, and to possess exotic and rare things. The Medici...

When the Spanish Crown (the monarchy) learned of the promise of wealth offered by vast continents that had been previously unknown to Europeans, they sent forces to colonize the land, convert the indigenous populations, and extract...

Read this fascinating information about Pope, the leader of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Learn how he was able to unite several tribes of Pueblo Indians who did not even speak the same language into a force that was able to push out the...

Information about the history of the colonization of America. Read about Jamestown, Plymouth, the Salem witch trials, colonial life, and the Thirteen Colonies.

Article on Latin America that provides a great overview of the region. Discussions include history, religion, culture, links to information about each of the countries, and more.

Excellent site about Latin America from the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Explore ancient beliefs and rituals, celebrations, culture, the land, animals, and the history of Latin America.

Offers an overview of the continent of South America, featuring information about politics, geography, and population statistics. Click on the name of a country to discover more details.

Test your knowledge of the thirteen colonies with these interactive games. You'll find matching, concentration, flashcards, and a word search, along with a list of terms to refresh your memory.

A bilingual overview about the French colonization of the New World. Primary source documents are provided on this Library of Congress site.

In this lesson plan, 5th graders learn about the individuals and groups who first founded the different colonies in America and what their motivations were. Students participate in a reader's theater activity, create a poster that would...

The year 1492 marks a watershed in modern world history. Columbus's voyage of discovery inaugurated a series of developments that would have vast consequences for both the Old World and the New. It transformed the diets of both the...

One of the primary reasons for colonization of the New World was to escape European religious persecution. This site provides stories of religious nonconformists, militants, zealots, reformers, and the faithful.

Online exhibition from the Mariners' Museum chronicles the plight of African slaves from the beginning of their journey when they are torn from their homeland all the way to the shores of the Americas. Caught up in the lucrative...

The history of Spanish territorial conquest in the New World is the history of the succession of conquistadors who often overwhelmed native empires, but were sometimes overwhelmed themselves. Read about the conquistadors who came to the...

God, gold, and glory motivated European nations to explore and create colonies in the New World. This article discusses the Crusades and how they influenced European colonization projects.

An illustrated guide to American colonization and the original 13 Colonies.

This site, which tells of L'Ouverture's role in the revolution, is part of a larger PBS documentary on Africans in America. Included are a teacher's guide and a narrative of the topic. Also, make sure to use the links at the bottom of...

Learn about the Eurpoean colonization of America.