Over the last several hundred years, many people from many different backgrounds have played important roles in the shaping of New York. Explorers claimed territory and charted routes for future settlers. Decisions made by early colonial governors affected New York's colonist, Native Americans, and African slaves who had been brought to the colony by force. Important precedents for the future of New York and the natin were set during the early days of the colony, including decisions about taxation, freedom of the press, and the education of African Americans. (lass set of books/teacher's guide/12 map trancparencies/ map activities blackline masters/big book with guide).