Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

The correct answer is Native Americans. Before European explorers and settlers arrived in what is now the United States, diverse groups of Indigenous peoples inhabited the land for thousands of years. These groups, collectively known as Native Americans, had established complex societies, cultures, and trade networks long before Europeans made contact.

The history of Native Americans is rich and varied, encompassing numerous tribes with distinct languages, traditions, and ways of life. Each tribe adapted to its environment and developed its own unique cultural identity, contributing to the vast tapestry of what would become American history.

While Africans, Europeans, and Chinese also played significant roles in American history, they arrived after Native Americans had already established their presence on the continent. Africans were brought primarily as slaves starting in the early 17th century, Europeans began arriving in the late 15th century, and Chinese immigrants arrived later in the 19th century. Their stories are vital to understanding America's history but do not pertain to who was originally living in America prior to European arrival.