Eras are time frames that conveintly place incidents in perspective for historians and educators. An Era of American History would not be right if it began only with the discovery of this Continent by Europeans. The first era therefore began with the Native Americans that lived here many centuries before they were so rudely interrupted. I am not here to condemn the fact, nor to approve it, only to make it the first era in the history of this country.

The second era would be that of exploration, beginning with Leif Erickson the Icelandic explorer who it is believed was the first European to set foot on North America, sometime around 1100 or 1200, years before America Vespucci and Christopher Columbus.

Next would be the era of colonization with Spain, Britain, France all claiming shares of the New World. Then the many disputes and wars between The Native Americans and the settlers, France and England over territory rights, and the American Revolution that forced England to give up claims to the thirteen colonies.

Then the self governing that began after the Constitution begins a new era or phase.

With this independence brought rivalries and disagreements, between North and South over slavery. All know the outcome of that horrible tragedy that pitted states against each other, brother against brother. All, of course for a good cause. The cause of liberty and justice for all.

Then the clenz up after. It looked as if peace was possible, but then the industrial revolution took over people’s minds. Everyone wanted to get rich quickly, and there were few safeguards. Manufacturing was in full force. But who was buying. World War 1 left the country still in need and the Great Depression wiped out most people’s life savings. The country was starving. No sooner did the bread lines stop than war rumors were heard. The country at first was reluctant to fight again so soon after the war, (World War 1) that was supposed to end all wars.

Then after World War 11 another era began. That of the nuclear era. And with it fear and mistrust the brought on years of fears and doubts. No sooner did the country make some headway in dealing with these problems, then the era of technology began. That’s where we are now. The country is no smarter in dealing with its problems, than it was then.

An explanation of how confused by it all we are, why in the world would I even bother to concern myself with eras in American History, when I would much rather be dealing with words in general and with peace in particular.

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