Final answer:
The Age of Contact era in Texas history is best described by Spanish and French explorers both claiming land in Texas, signaling the start of European colonization and the resulting cultural, political, and territorial conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The defining characteristics of the Age of Contact era in Texas history can be best described by the exploration and claims of European powers, not only the Spanish but also the French. Spanish explorers and French explorers both claimed land in Texas, seeking new territories for their empires. This period was marked by the competition between these colonial powers and their interactions with the Native American populations and Anglo settlers. The Spanish had dominated the New World initially, but as the Mexican government allowed for Anglo settlements, tensions grew leading to Texas's struggle for independence and the eventual formation of the Lone Star Republic.