Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

The correct answer is Native Americans, who were the original inhabitants of the Americas long before European explorers and settlers arrived. They had established diverse cultures, languages, and societies across the continent, including complex systems of governance, trade, and agriculture.

Native Americans had a profound connection to the land and developed rich traditions that varied greatly among different tribes and regions. Their history predates European arrival by thousands of years, making them the primary and original residents of the American territories.

While Vikings did reach parts of North America around the year 1000, their settlements were not sustained and did not represent a continuous presence on the continent like that of Native Americans. Colonists refers to European settlers who arrived much later, particularly in the 17th century, and Spanish explorers are also part of European history, coming in the 15th century onwards to conquer and settle. These groups are all part of the broader narrative of American history, but they did not inhabit the land prior to Native Americans.