The earliest known encounters between Europeans and Native Americans occurred during the 10th century, when Norse explorers came to North America. The Norse established settlements on the island of Newfoundland and also spent some time in the Baffin Island and Ungava Bay regions.
• The Voyages of Christopher Columbus
Columbus's arrival in the Caribbean in 1492 marked the beginning of sustained European exploration of the Americas. Columbus and his crew believed they had reached Asia, and they referred to the indigenous peoples they encountered as "Indians." This term was used for centuries afterward, even though it was inaccurate.
• Spanish Expeditions
Following Columbus's voyages, Spain sent a series of expeditions to the New World. These expeditions were led by conquistadors, who were determined to conquer the indigenous peoples and establish Spanish rule.
• Spanish Encounters in Mexico and Peru
The Spanish eventually established control over much of Central and South America, including the empires of the Aztecs in Mexico and the Incas in Peru.
• Spanish Interactions
The Spanish interactions with Native Americans had devastating consequences. The native peoples were often subjected to brutal treatment, including slavery, forced labor, and sexual abuse. The diseases that the Europeans brought with them, such as smallpox and measles, also decimated the native populations.
• French & English Exploration
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the French and English began to explore and colonize the eastern coast of North America. The French established settlements in Canada and the Mississippi River Valley, while the English established settlements along the Atlantic Coast from Virginia to Maine.