Final answer:
France, Spain, Portugal, England, and the Netherlands all have a colonial history in the Americas, with Spain being the first to establish colonies. These countries' efforts in the New World were influenced by economic interests and competition among European powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
France, Spain, Portugal, England, and the Netherlands all share a colonial history in the Americas. Each of these European nations established colonies in the New World, significantly influencing the development of the Americas. Portugal, under the Treaty of Tordesillas, established colonies in South America, most notably Brazil. Spain was the first country to establish colonies in the Americas, following Christopher Columbus's voyages, ultimately building the largest empire there. England, France, and the Netherlands followed, each establishing their own territories in the Americas, driven by various interests including settlement, trade, and economic strategies like mercantilism.
Both Portugal and Spain sought to establish settlement colonies with direct political ties and cultural influence. Meanwhile, France focused on developing a fur trade in North America, and the Netherlands concentrated on trade in the Caribbean and weakening Spanish power through piracy. England sought to expand its influence and wealth by establishing colonies in the Americas, driven by the competition among European powers and the economic gains made possible through mercantilism.
The answer to the provided multiple-choice questions are:
- Portugal initiated the era of Atlantic exploration, leading the way into the Age of Discovery.
- Spain established the first colonies in the Americas, creating an empire that would be emulated by other European nations.