Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

The correct answer is that American Indians lived in America long before the arrival of Europeans. Indigenous peoples, known collectively as American Indians, inhabited the continent for thousands of years, developing diverse cultures, languages, and societies across various regions from the Arctic to the tip of South America.

American Indians had established complex systems of governance, trade, and land use, with rich traditions and histories that varied significantly among different tribes. Their presence predates European exploration and colonization by many centuries, providing them with a deep-rooted connection to the land which is vital to understanding the history of North America.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned came to America at later times. Hispanic settlers arrived with the Spanish expeditions in the 16th century, while European explorers, such as Columbus and Cabot, landed in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. African tribes were also not present in America until the transatlantic slave trade brought enslaved Africans to the continent, beginning in the 16th century onward, as part of the European colonization efforts.