- [Narrator] In the year 1492,

Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas.

Millions died in pursuit of conquering this unknown land.

The European powers of the time took part in colonization

and the centuries after witnessed remarkable wars

and a new age of influence.

These events led to the birth

of a new nation on July 4th, 1776,

the United States of America.

Since, the USA has conquered the world

in every aspect possible.

From developing the most powerful military

in modern history,

two countless astonishing human accomplishments,

the country has earned the name the modern Roman Empire.

But can this giant continue its dominance?

To understand the story of this fascinating land,

we must start from the very beginning.

(tense music)

(upbeat music)

Long before European colonization,

the Native peoples of North America had developed complex

and sophisticated systems of society and government.

Hundreds of thousands warred, made peace,

and governed over specific regions

and had done so for thousands of years.

By the time the first European explorers began

to arrive on the North American continent

in the 15th century,

the Native Americans had already established themselves

and their communities for thousands of years.

The North American continent-

vast and rich with natural resources-

would beckon all who came to know of its shores.

And so when a Norse navigator named Leif Erikson learned

that there was a land west

of Greenland from fellow explorer, Bjarni Herjolfsson,

he made preparations to set sail.

Herjolfsson, who had been blown off-course