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

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.

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.

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

Learn about the Eurpoean colonization of America.

A brief slideshow that presents key ideas about the Spanish Empire in the Americas. Students must then answer four questions in an assessment.

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

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

A self-assessment of European colonization in the America's.

Copper plate engravings offer one example of the racialization of colonized peoples. At the turn of the 17th century, most Europeans' visual conceptions of the Americas came from the engravings of the workshop of Flemish print-maker...

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

This informational text recounts America's road to independence, starting from the beginning of English colonization in North America and ending with the final battle of the American Revolution. A specific purpose for reading and...

Lesson that examines some of the reasons European efforts to establish colonies in the New World were often met with failure. It focuses on the story of nine Jesuit priests who started a small colony on Chesapeake Bay in the hopes of...

A fascinating look at the exchanges that took place around the world after the Americas were discovered. This covered the gamut from diseases which wiped out 90% of the native peoples in North and South America, to farm animals, tools,...

The settlement of the colonies in America is the focus of this article. The course of events is divided into topics and time periods, making it easier to understand. Note is made of the effects to the already present Native Americans as...

Short essay addresses reasons that brought the Europeans to America. Covering many important points, he also provides compelling reasons and a map.

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.

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.