Colonial America

The Colonial America era introduces students to the foundations of what would become the United States. This period includes the settlement of the thirteen colonies, interactions with Native Americans, the growth of trade, and the development of regional identities in New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies. Students explore motives for colonization, daily life in the colonies, religious diversity, and the early roots of representative government.

Colonial America also raises important questions about labor systems, including the use of indentured servitude and the expansion of African slavery, as well as the impact of European settlement on Indigenous peoples. By examining primary sources, maps, and historical narratives, students can better understand how conflict, cooperation, geography, and economics shaped colonial society and laid the groundwork for future revolution and reform.

The resources on this page support lessons on exploration, settlement patterns, colonial governments, regional economies, and cultural life. Teachers can use these materials for lectures, inquiry-based activities, DBQs, projects, simulations, and review, all aligned with U.S. History standards and middle and high school curricula.