Final answer:
From 1200 to 1450, states in the Americas experienced dramatic changes due to the development of complex indigenous societies and the subsequent arrival of Europeans. The discovery of the New World led to colonization, the Columbian Exchange, and significant changes to indigenous ways of life. European powers like Spain, Portugal, France, and England established colonies, which brought diverse impacts on local traditions, economy, and governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Development and Changes of States in the Americas (1200-1450)
The period from 1200 to 1450 saw significant changes and development of states in the Americas. Before European contact, indigenous societies had already been forming complex agricultural-based societies, leading to impressive settlements and distinctive cultures throughout the American continent. However, the discovery of the New World in 1492 marked a transformative period in which European nations started to exert their control, leading to the Columbian Exchange and a fundamental shift in the way of life for both Europeans and indigenous Americans.
Colonial Powers such as Spain, Portugal, France, and England established different models of colonial control in the New World. England and France, for example, developed their colonial models later due to internal struggles such as the constant state of war and the Protestant Reformation that absorbed their attention in the 16th century. The Spaniards, on the other hand, had already implemented systems like the Encomienda as part of their colonial administration, which profoundly affected the indigenous population.
As Europeans expanded their colonization efforts, the Americas witnessed an immense shift in various facets including trade, hunting, religion, social customs, and cultural beliefs. Settlements in North America were heavily influenced by settlers from England, France, and Spain, each bringing with them a legacy of their own contexts from Europe. Especially in the case of England, the expansion led to the displacement of indigenous peoples, the establishment of slave-based agriculture, and eventual conflicts leading to revolutions and the formation of the United States.