ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of South America

South America is a big place, but it has a very long and interesting history. People have been living in South America for more than 12,000 years, and they have left behind lots of fascinating artifacts, buildings, and stories.

A long time ago, there were many different societies in South America. These societies lived in different parts of the continent and each had their own way of life. Some societies were hunters and gatherers, while others were farmers. Many of these societies built large and complex cities, such as the Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru or the Nazca Lines in southern Peru.

One group of people who had a big impact on South America's history were the Europeans. In the 16th century, Spanish and Portuguese explorers landed in South America in search of new lands, resources, and wealth. They found gold, silver, and other metals, which they mined and sent back to Europe. The Spanish and Portuguese also started to conquer and colonize the region, which meant they took over the land and ruled over the native people.

As a result of colonization, the native people of South America suffered greatly. They were forced to work as slaves on plantations and in mines, and many died from disease and mistreatment. However, these societies were not entirely passive, either. They resisted the European conquerors and colonists in a variety of ways, such as rebellions or just living independently in remote areas.

Over time, South America became a melting pot of different cultures and languages. In many places, the local people adopted European customs, religions, and ways of life, but also mixed them with their own cultures. This is why you can find so many different languages and traditions in South America today, even in the same country.

In the 19th century, South America became independent from European colonization, as revolutionaries like Simon Bolivar led the charge. However, that did not mean the troubles were over. Many of these new countries had to form new governments and work really hard to start to build up their economies.

In more recent years, South America has seen its share of political turmoil and social unrest, but the people of the region remain resilient and hopeful for a better future. Today, South America is still home to many different societies and traditions, and it continues to be a fascinating place to explore and learn about.