This document summarizes the historical settlement of North America by various groups over time. It discusses:
- Early Native American populations and their diversity.
- The initial exploration and settlement of North America by Europeans starting in the 15th century, including the Spanish, French, English and Portuguese.
- The establishment of colonies and the evolution of new cultures as European and Native cultures mixed.
- The major impacts of European contact, including population declines among Native Americans due to disease and conflicts over land use.