History of the U.S.
The history of the United States spans centuries of exploration, colonization, conflict, innovation, and transformation. From its Indigenous origins to its rise as a global superpower, the nation's story is complex, layered, and still unfolding.
Indigenous Peoples
Long before European settlers arrived, the land now known as the United States was home to diverse Indigenous civilizations such as the Iroquois, Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, and many others. These nations had their own languages, social systems, economies, and spiritual beliefs.
European Colonization
In the 1500s and 1600s, European powers — including Spain, France, and England — began establishing colonies. The British colonies along the Atlantic Coast would later form the core of the United States. Jamestown, Virginia (1607), was the first permanent English settlement.
American Revolution (1775–1783)
Tensions over taxation and self-governance led the thirteen colonies to declare independence from Britain in 1776. The Revolutionary War ended with the formation of a new nation: the United States of America.
Expansion and Civil War
In the 1800s, the U.S. expanded westward through purchases (like the Louisiana Purchase), treaties, and wars. This era also saw the rise of slavery and deep divisions between North and South. The Civil War (1861–1865) was fought over these tensions. The Union’s victory led to the abolition of slavery.
Industrialization and Immigration
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought massive industrial growth, urbanization, and waves of immigration. Railroads, factories, and new technologies transformed the economy and society.
World Wars and Global Rise
The U.S. played key roles in both World War I and World War II. After 1945, it emerged as a global superpower, competing with the Soviet Union during the Cold War and leading international institutions.
Civil Rights and Modern Era
Movements for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality shaped the 20th century. From the Civil Rights Movement to more recent debates on immigration, health care, and climate change, the U.S. continues to evolve socially and politically.