Final answer:
Spain and France were the two European countries that competed to settle Texas. Spain eventually gained control and encouraged settlement from other countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two European countries that competed to settle Texas were Spain and France.
Spain was the first European country to claim Texas. They established missions, presidios, and towns in the region. France also had claims to Texas and tried to settle the area through expeditions and missions. Eventually, Spain gained control over Texas and encouraged settlement from other European countries, such as Mexico and the United States.
In the 18th century, both Spain and France sought to expand their colonial territories, leading to conflicts in Texas.
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