Central Themes of Colonial America (1492-1763)

Introduction

The colonial history of America begins shortly after the rediscovery of the New World by Europeans (Christopher Columbus in 1492). The current U.S. territory quickly became an international issue. Major Western colonial powers were engaged in the exploration and conquest of the New World.

Discussion

Decades ago, American history established its own area. Therefore, a specialty emerged that, unlike other areas of historiography (as Modern or Contemporary History), does not address a specific chronological period, but aims diachronically to analyze the history of the American continent. This anomaly responded more to special interests than to the scientific suitability. ...