Material Life

The complex geography of the hemisphere creates environments which provide resources that sustain systems of production, work, and trade—which sometimes threaten those environments. The health of diverse peoples is a continuing challenge.

Social Life

People create and re-create communities linked to social relations that may be local, national, or transnational—or all the above. Women, men, and children negotiate family life everywhere. Ethnic identities grounded in historic cultures interact with racial prejudices that remain enduring legacies of colonial times.

National Life

States organize national territories, sustained by political systems that strive for democracy and justice—yet too often fail to practice exalted ideals. States promote national identities; parties and movements may reinforce or challenge their goals. Periodically, revolutions have challenged ruling states—and much more—across the hemisphere.

Cultural Life

People across the Americas create great literature and renowned art. Communities forge popular cultures both within and against national and global currents. Religion has shaped life across the hemisphere since time immemorial.

Integrations

The peoples of the Americas have never lived isolated among themselves, and since the sixteenth century they have experienced continuous integration with a wider world—developments now rapidly accelerating.