The Human Race

In the Mass Effect story humanity has been the most recent species to join the Citadel Council and the most rapidly expanding species in the galaxy. The events of the game take place in the year 2183 and here is a brief history of the events that occurred up to this point:

• 20th and 21st century humanity begins to explore space and finds alien ruins on Mars in 2148, which shows that humanity definitely isn't alone in the universe.
• This discovery leads to the nations of earth pooling their resources to create the Systems Alliance, a global  governing body and military protection program, to protect humanity as a whole.
• Over the next year humanity discovers the mass relay in their system and begins to explore the galaxy.
• After eight years of exploring and advancing technology to match that of the relay system, humanity confronts its first alien race and engages in its first galactic war called the First Contact War.
• 2157, the war ends and humanity is introduced to the Council and the other species in the galaxy.
•  2165, humanity gains an embassy and a seat on the Council Committee due to its willingness to explore the galaxy and participate in galactic affairs.

Overall, humanity isn't too different from any other futuristic representations of us. However, it is notable that humans live a fraction as long as some of the other species in the galaxy and are seen as an aggressive, goal-oriented race. Our resilience, determination, and dedication often astounds the other races; yet this does make some fear us and think of us as the future "bullies" of the universe since we try to get what we want.