COLONIZATION AND SETTLEMENT (1585-1763)

The study of the Colonial Period of American history sets the foundation for developments in subsequent historical periods, and a variety of data visualizations can help students understand important themes from this period. To begin, primary source maps provide insight into the European struggle for control of North America, and the implications of this struggle for Indigenous Peoples. Secondary tables and graphs allow students to explore growing diversity within the colonies, including the growing population of enslaved people, upon which the American economy became increasingly dependent.