~ Virtual Creative Factory ~

::: COLORADO :::

THURS JAN 11 2024

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::: VCF BOOK RESEARCH :::

BOOK ::: COLORADO A History of the Centennial State

FIFTH EDITION

By: Carl Abbott | Stephen J. Leonard | Thomas J. Noel

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As much as any other state, Colorado has grown within this multicultural framework. It has witnessed deep divisions among Native Americans, Spanish-speaking Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and the heterogeneous assemblage sometimes labeled Anglo-Americans.

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Colorado's history as part of the United States reflects America's broader story, shaped by diverse cultural contributions. Notable among its people are Native Americans, with ancient ties to the land prior to European colonization. Hispanic Americans have also deeply influenced Colorado's culture, tracing back to when the land was under Spanish and Mexican influence.

Although African Americans make up a smaller portion of the state's population, their significant impact on the cultural diversity of Colorado cannot be understated, as they have faced unique challenges and made important accomplishments. Adding to the state's diversity, the Asian American community incorporates their cultural traditions, enriching Colorado's identity.

The term "Anglo-Americans" refers to English-speaking individuals of European descent, which in Colorado equates to a diverse array ranging from various European traditions and customs.

These diverse groups have shaped Colorado's social, economic, and political landscape. As time moves forward, Colorado constantly weaves these distinctive strands together, demonstrating a multifaceted tapestry of histories that are integral to the American narrative.

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NOTE:

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NOTE:

Within Colorado, Denver monopolized these metropolitan functions after 1859. At the end of the twentieth century the Denver metropolitan area counted a population more than four times that of Colorado Springs and fifteen times that of Pueblo. Denver served similarly as a channel for eastern capital and influence during Colorado’s development as a supplier of raw materials for eastern consumption. If Colorado and other western states have been economic colonies of the East, as numerous writers have complained, then Denver for much of Colorado’s history has been one of the colonial capitals.

Since its rise in the latter half of the 19th century, Denver has stood as a paramount hub for urban roles within Colorado. As the 20th century waned, the population within the Denver metropolitan sphere had surged phenomenally, dwarfing that of nearby competitors—quadrupling the number of inhabitants in Colorado Springs and being fifteen-fold the population of Pueblo.

More than merely outstripping others in sheer numbers, Denver served as a vital gateway for capital and influence from the east, assuming a crucial role in Colorado's evolution into a font of natural resources. Similar to its western neighbors, the state funneled essential commodities sought after by the East. Such interactions nurtured the view among certain commentators that the western states essentially operated as economic vassal regions to the Eastern territories. In this scenario, Denver emerged as a sort of "provincial seat" for the Eastern powers, guiding and dominating the economic direction of Colorado. This perspective has been a point of contention and discussion, with numerous authors scrutinizing the historical fiscal dynamics between the industrially advanced East and the Western states.