Final answer:
American history can be segmented into distinct periods with specific characteristics. The Pre-Colonial era was marked by indigenous cultures, the Colonial era by initial European settlements and art movements, and the period of Becoming a Nation by the push for independence and creation of a new government. Subsequent periods saw the establishment and expansion of the nation, the tumultuous Civil War and Reconstruction, and the advent of the United States as a modern industrial power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Each period in American history is marked by distinct characteristics, key figures, and significant events. Below are the associations that correspond with the given timeframes:
A) Pre-Colonial (12,000 B.C - A.D. 1607): Characteristics of this period include the Paleo-Indian Era through the Agricultural Revolution, marked by the origins, development, and impact of indigenous cultures across the Americas before European contact.B) Colonial Era (1500s - 1763): This era saw the beginning of colonization with Spanish, French, and English settlers establishing colonies, reflected in various art movements like the Northern European Baroque and Italian Baroque, and the gradual increase in population.C) Becoming a Nation (1763 - 1789): This period is defined by the struggle for independence from British rule, which led to documents such as the Declaration of Independence, and the creation of a new governmental framework with the U.S. Constitution's ratification in 1789.D) The New Republic (1789 - 1815): Post-revolution, this time saw the establishment of the United States as an independent nation, the first presidents including George Washington, and conflicts such as the War of 1812.E) Growing and Changing (1815 - 1858): The era of expansion and reform, where America experienced growth in territory, population, and innovation, as well as movements addressing social issues such as slavery and women's rights.F) The Civil War and Reconstruction (1858 - 1877): Marked by the Civil War's outbreak in 1861, this period deals with the fundamental conflicts over state's rights and slavery, followed by the complex Reconstruction era that sought to reintegrate the Southern states.G) The Modern Era Begins (1877 - 1900): It was a time of rapid industrialization, the final closure of the Western frontier, and the United States' rise on the world stage as a significant power.
Understanding these periods helps contextualize the transformation of North America from a collection of indigenous nations to a modern world power.