Colonial America refers to the period between the late 16th century and the start of the American Revolutionary War in the late 18th century, during which European powers established colonies on the North American continent. This era saw the establishment of thirteen British colonies along the Atlantic coast, as well as the presence of Spanish, French, Dutch, and other European settlements further inland and to the south. These colonies laid the foundation for the cultures, economies, and political systems of the future United States. While this period brought about significant developments in trade, governance, and cultural exchange, it also witnessed tensions and conflicts, particularly with Indigenous populations and between the colonists themselves.