Who Really Colonized America? The Untold Story Behind the Colonization

The First Arrivals: Native Americans and Their History

Before diving into who colonized America, it’s crucial to acknowledge the first people who lived here long before the term "colonization" even existed: the Native Americans. Thousands of years before Columbus, Indigenous peoples had already established rich and diverse cultures across the continent. You might already know this, but sometimes we forget just how deep their history goes.

The first humans are believed to have arrived via the Bering Land Bridge, migrating from Asia around 15,000 years ago. These early settlers spread across the land, from the frozen plains of Alaska down to the tropical forests of Florida. They developed complex societies, each with its unique language, traditions, and way of life. Some historians even argue that these first Americans had their own systems of governance, art, and trade that were sophisticated for their time.

It’s a bit frustrating when we talk about “who colonized America” and forget to even mention the Indigenous peoples and the atrocities that followed European arrival.

Christopher Columbus: A Controversial Hero or Villain?

Alright, let’s get into the juicy stuff. The name that often comes to mind when we talk about the colonization of America is Christopher Columbus. He’s got this whole “discovery” narrative built around him, but as you might guess, it's much more complicated than that.

In 1492, Columbus set sail across the Atlantic under the auspices of the Spanish monarchy. His goal? To find a new route to Asia. But, as we all know, he ended up landing in the Caribbean. Now, here’s the kicker—Columbus wasn’t the first European to reach the Americas. Norse explorer Leif Erikson had already been in North America around 500 years earlier, but hey, that’s a whole different debate. What Columbus did, though, was open the floodgates for further European exploration and conquest.

I remember chatting with a colleague last year about this—he made a point that’s always stuck with me: “It’s weird that Columbus is still the ‘hero’ in a lot of American education. Sure, he made the journey, but should we really celebrate what followed?” Food for thought, right?

The Spanish: Pioneers of American Colonization

Now, I know you're probably thinking: “Okay, but who really colonized America?” Let’s look at the Spanish. You can’t talk about colonization without giving Spain credit for being some of the first to establish a lasting presence. The Spanish crown sent explorers like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro to the New World, who, let’s face it, made some pretty dramatic impacts.

Cortés’ conquest of the Aztec Empire in modern-day Mexico is one of the most famous stories of Spanish colonization. Armed with nothing more than smallpox, steel, and some seriously impressive diplomacy (or deceit, depending on how you look at it), he was able to topple an entire civilization. This wasn’t just about taking land, it was about wiping out populations and reshaping entire cultures. And don’t even get me started on the treatment of Indigenous peoples under Spanish rule—it was brutal.

But here’s where it gets interesting. The Spanish didn’t just destroy—they also built. They constructed cities like Mexico City, which became one of the largest and wealthiest in the world. In a way, Spain laid the foundation for the Spanish-speaking world we know today.

The English: Settlers, Not Conquerors?

Here’s where things get tricky. When you think of the colonization of America, the English might be what pops into your head—after all, America’s the land of the “American Dream,” right? But here’s the thing: while the Spanish were busy creating empires, the English were planting little colonies that would grow into something much bigger and more complicated.

The first successful English colony was Jamestown, established in 1607. But unlike the Spanish, the English didn’t come here with the same goal of immediate empire-building. Instead, they focused on permanent settlement, which would change the trajectory of American history forever.

It was a rough start, though. The early years were marked by famine, disease, and hostile relations with the Indigenous peoples. Yet, by the mid-1600s, English settlers had started spreading along the East Coast, and by the time we hit the 18th century, the colonies were flourishing. These early settlers built a society based on agriculture, trade, and—let’s not forget—slavery. This early English influence would evolve into the United States of America.

But wait—don’t overlook the French, Dutch, and Portuguese! Yeah, they were there too. The French had a strong presence in Canada and the Mississippi River Valley, the Dutch briefly settled in New York (then New Amsterdam), and the Portuguese—well, they were largely involved in the transatlantic slave trade, which left a tragic legacy.

The Legacy of Colonization: A Mixed Bag

So, who colonized America? The truth is, it wasn’t just one group, and the legacy of colonization is still felt today. The Spanish, French, English, and other Europeans, through exploration and exploitation, reshaped the Americas in ways that can’t be ignored. It’s not all good or bad, but it’s a messy history of power, resistance, and survival.

If we’re being honest, this is where it gets emotional for me. I think of the countless Indigenous peoples whose lands were taken, their cultures nearly erased, and the deep scars that linger to this day. I also think of the African slaves who were brought against their will to work the land that would eventually become the United States.

In a conversation with a friend recently, we got into a bit of a debate about whether Americans should celebrate Independence Day. It’s so symbolic of freedom, but it’s also a stark reminder of the oppression that began with colonization. It’s this weird tension that still pulls at the fabric of our national identity.

Wrapping It Up: Colonization Wasn’t Just About “Discovery”

So, who really colonized America? The simple answer? Everyone. The Indigenous people, the Europeans, the enslaved Africans, and even the millions of people who came here later seeking better lives. Colonization wasn’t a single event; it was a long process with many players and many stories.

I think the key takeaway here is that it’s all too easy to boil down history into a neat, digestible story. But if you dig deeper, you start to see the complexities and contradictions. In the end, the real story of who colonized America isn’t just about the Europeans; it’s about the enduring struggle and resilience of those who were here before them—and those who came after.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.