Thousands of years ago, hunters from Asia followed herds of wild animals to the Americas. As they gradually spread through North and South America, they developed a variety of cultures. The economic activities, religious beliefs, and societies of these first Americans reflected the environments in which they lived, from the icy north to the dry desert of the Southwest. Farther south, in Mexico and Central and South America, several great civilizations arose.

The world of these first Americans changed dramatically after Europeans reached American shores. At the same time, aspects of Native American culture spread to other parts of the globe.

Additional Activities

• "Why Study History?" Activity: Have students use the Internet to explore the influence of sports in our culture. (See Teacher's Edition, page 54.)
  
  
• Check out the Student Internet Activities, which focus on issues important to Native Americans and Aztec religion.
  
  

Section 1: Early People and Cultures

Section 2: People of North America

Section 3: Great Civilizations in the Americas

Section 4: After 1492