Long before Europeans arrived, diverse American Indian tribes thrived across North America, developing unique cultures, governments, and trade networks.

This episode of The US History Curriculum Companion is designed to accompany the first unit in our American History curriculum which covers Native American groups and their early encounters with European explorers.

In this episode, we review the major indigenous societies that shaped the continent and how their way of life was impacted by European exploration. From the first voyages of Columbus to the expeditions of explorers like Cartier and de Soto, we talk about the motivations behind European exploration and its lasting consequences. Discover how these early encounters shaped the history of the Americas.

You can learn more about the lessons and resources for this unit in American History here. 

Students of History provides resources and lessons for teaching social studies in middle school and high school. We have engaging lessons and resources for every day of every unit. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.