PreColombian era - before 1492/European contact. Prior to Columbus and other European's arrivals to Americas, there were many other civilizations and cultures living in the Americas(e.g. Olmec, Ancient pueblos, Cahokia, Maya, Aztec, an the Inca.

Exploration and conquering=1492-1700's  Europeans explore and conquer the Americas(e.g.Columbus, Cortes, Verrazzano, De soto ).  These explores are working for a European country and claiming territory for them.

English Colonial period-(1607-1776)    England starts settling on the east coast of North America that remains loyal to England. (Spain, Portugal, France, and the Netherland established colonies in the Americas as well.

Revolutionary period-(1763-1783) The 13 colonies slowly decided they want ti be independent form England. They formed team USA  to fight the revolutionary war.

Constitutional period (1776-1791) The new Use needed government rules for their new country. The USA debates the rules for government and the future of team USA. In 1787 the "US Constitution" was written and in 1791 "the Bills fo Rights" were added.

Federal period-(1790-1804) Us constitution and bill of rights are put into practice/test driven by early congress/court/presidents.

Indian removal and Manifest destiny (1791-1890)   The USA grows in territory from "sea to shining sea". There are also many wars with Native American people. Other events such as the Luisiana purchase, war of 1812, Oregon trail, Us-Mexican war, California gold rush also happened I this era.