This book investigates the complex and multifaceted process of colonial settlement and societal formation in Spanish America during the early modern period. Drawing on extensive archival research, Altman examines the motivations, strategies, and experiences of diverse groups, including conquistadors, settlers, indigenous populations, and enslaved Africans, to understand how they shaped the social, economic, and political landscapes of the New World. The work challenges simplistic narratives of conquest by highlighting the agency of various actors and the often-unforeseen consequences of their interactions.

Ida Altman's "To Make America" is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of Spanish colonial history, offering a nuanced perspective on the formation of colonial societies. Scholars have noted its comprehensive approach, integrating social, economic, and cultural dimensions of the colonial experience. The book is valued for its detailed use of primary sources and its ability to capture the complexities of interactions between different groups.