U.S. Citizenship Civics TestColonial Period and IndependenceMedium
Before the arrival of Europeans, which of the following groups inhabited the lands that would become the United States?
- AAsians (from China)
- BNative Americans
- CVikings
- DAfricans (from Egypt)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Native Americans
Native Americans, also known as Indigenous peoples, were the original inhabitants of the North American continent for thousands of years before European colonization.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While some theories exist, there is no widespread historical evidence of significant Chinese populations inhabiting the Americas before Europeans.
- C. Vikings explored parts of North America but did not establish widespread, lasting settlements or inhabit the continent broadly before other Europeans.
- D. Ancient Egyptians did not inhabit North America.
Pre-Columbian Inhabitants
The peoples living in the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and other Europeans.
- Known as Native Americans or Indigenous peoples.
- Comprised diverse tribes and cultures.
- Had established societies across the continent.
Memory trick: First peoples here, before the ships did sail, Native Americans' stories we unveil.