The history of the conquest and colonization of the Americas is very complex. The social, economic, and political issues and circumstances that took place many years ago form the foundation of America today. Most Americans do not realize how many people have been affected by immigration, nor do they understand the true struggles and sacrifices that indigenous peoples and settlers made for the freedoms we enjoy today. During these historical events, many cultural, social and economic events were affected. Historical Contributions or Achievements The first American inhabitants are believed to have emigrated from Asia approximately 18,000 years ago. Many societies were built and civilizations were formed by the Aztec, Olmec, Mayan, Teotihuacan, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Toltec peoples around the Mexican territories. These people were highly organized and skilled in agriculture, astronomy, mathematics, architecture and art. The Aztec Empire was one of the most powerful empires before being conquered by Spanish explorers in the 1500s (Englekirk & Marín, 2011). Also in the late 1500s, the Spanish arrived in Florida, establishing the first permanent settlement in San Agustin, Florida. The Spanish also explored areas of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia. Santa Fe, New Mexico was founded in 1605, the Spanish purchased Greater Louisiana from the French in 1763. San Diego was also founded in 1749 in the colony of Alta California. In the early 1800s, American immigrants were settling the land we call Texas. In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain. Soon after, American settlers were offered land to raise livestock. In 1845, Texas joined the United States following the Texan Revolution, but in 1846,...... middle of paper...... Americans still do not accept others due to their race, color or religion. , etc. However, when America goes to war with other countries, or when tragedy occurs, the people unite as one nation and become the proud "United States of America." Works Cited Carter, PM (2005). Do you speak American? From the sea to the shining sea. American varieties. Spanglish. UNITED STATES. PBS. PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Retrieved September 6, 2011 from http://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/spanglish/usa/Englekirk, A. and Marín, M. (2011). Mexican Americans – History. Countries and their cultures. Retrieved September 6, 2011 from http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Le-Pa/Mexican-Americans.htmlNoriega, California (2010). The Chicano Studies Reader: An Anthology of Aztlán, 1970-2010 (second ed.). Los Angeles: UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Publications.