I'm trying to set up a table top game that is inspired by my rather limited understanding of that time in history (the players basically got a jump on colonization before any of the power players).

I want to know about major themes and events in that part of history, as well as anything about the cultures of the natives. My own education in the subject is from a middle school class almost a decade ago and I'm struggling to find resources online, although that is mostly due to the fact that I'm not sure how to search for things like that. Any recommendations for resources to pick through would also be helpful.

Thanks in advance.