Colonization has had a big impact on who we are in America today. It has changed many parts of our society and culture. Here are some important effects:

1. Cultural Diversity:

   • When European settlers came to America, they brought different cultures, languages, and traditions with them. By 2020, more than 25% of Americans identified as belonging to a racial or ethnic minority. This shows how colonization and immigration still shape our country today.

2. Political Foundations:

   • Colonization helped create the way our government works. The U.S. Constitution, which was written in 1787, was influenced by ideas that were popular during the colonial times. In 2021, about 65% of Americans said they trust the Constitution, showing that it is still very important.

3. Economic Impact:

   • Colonization changed the economy. The settlers began growing cash crops like tobacco and cotton, which were traded. By 1860, cotton exports were worth $2 billion! Even today, farming in the U.S. still takes inspiration from this history and is a big part of our economy.

4. Land Ownership and Indigenous Displacement:

   • Colonization pushed Native Americans off their land. Before colonization, there were about 10 million Native Americans. By 1900, that number dropped to about 250,000. This change drastically changed the population of the country.

5. Social Stratification:

   • Colonization created a system where some races were treated better than others. This issue still affects us today. For example, in 2020, there was a huge wealth gap between White and Black families. The average net worth for White families was $188,200, while for Black families, it was only$24,100.

In short, colonization has shaped our cultural diversity, government structure, economy, and social inequalities. These effects continue to influence American identity today.