Final answer:
The first country to recognize the 'Stars and Stripes' was the Netherlands, but France was the first to formally acknowledge U.S. independence, implicitly recognizing its flag in 1778. Portugal initiated the era of Atlantic exploration, leading to the discovery of the Americas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The country that was the first to recognize the "Stars and Stripes" as the flag of the United States was Netherlands. However, that option is not listed among the choices provided in the student's question. The Stars and Stripes flag, often referred to as the flag of the United States of America, was recognized by foreign powers during the American Revolutionary War. The flag and its symbol have become an iconic representation of freedom and democracy, particularly highlighted in the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The Netherlands recognized the independence of the United States on April 19, 1782. However, the question might be subtly asking for the country that formally acknowledged the independence of the United States and consequently the flag. In official diplomatic terms, France was the first nation to recognize the independence of the United States with the signing of the Treaty of Alliance in 1778, which could imply recognition of the flag as the symbol of the new nation.
It is important to note that the country which initiated the era of Atlantic exploration, leading to the discovery and ensuing European engagement with the Americas, was Portugal, under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator. This spirit of exploration set the stage for the establishment of colonies and the eventual birth of the United States and its flag.