State of Colorado

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Colorado
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Nil sine numine Nothing without providence
Anthem: Where the Columbines Grow & Rocky Mountain High
Capital and largest city	Denver
Official languages	English
Area
• Total	269,601 km² (8th)
• Land	268,875 km²
• Water	962 km²
Population
• 2023 estimate	5,877,610 (21st)
• Density	21.72 km² (37th)
Website www.colorado.gov

Colorado is a state situated in the heart of the United States that has a rich history that intersects with various socio-political movements. It is the 21st most populous state in the country with a population estimated to be around 5,877,610 people in 2023. It is known for its mountain ranges, cultural diversity, and its progressive political stances on issues such as marijuana legalization and LGBTQ+ rights.

History

Indigenous peoples and settler colonization

Map of the Núuchi-u (Ute) nation in yellow and current reservations in red, green and blue

The history of Colorado begins with the vibrant presence of Indigenous Peoples communities, each with its distinct cultures, languages, and ways of life. The encounter with European colonizers marked the onset of settler encroachment, leading to the dispossession of indigenous lands and the imposition of foreign socio-economic structures.

Capitalist exploitation and resource extraction

Imperialism in Colorado took the form of capitalist expansion, driven by the extraction of valuable resources from indigenous lands. The quest for minerals, timber, and fertile soil fueled the capitalist engine, often at the expense of indigenous communities.

National oppression and cultural genocide

Imperialist forces not only sought to control the land and resources but also aimed at suppressing indigenous cultures and imposing Eurocentric norms. The imposition of boarding schools, forced assimilation policies, and the eradication of indigenous languages were mechanisms of cultural subjugation.

Labor movement

Colorado has a history of labor struggles, including events such as the Ludlow Massacre in 1914, which stands as a pivotal moment in Colorado's labor history and a significant chapter in the broader class struggle against capitalist exploitation. Beyond Ludlow, Colorado witnessed a series of labor conflicts collectively known as the Colorado Labor Wars. These conflicts involved battles between labor unions, primarily the United Mine Workers (UMW), and powerful corporate interests in the mining industry. The struggle for workers' rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions became a focal point of contention.