Which European nation was the first to colonize the southwestern United States?

• A. Spain
• B. France
• C. Portugal
• D. England

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is identifying which European power first established a lasting presence in the southwestern United States. Spain was the first to colonize that region, beginning with explorations and the establishment of missions and presidios in the late 1500s and into the 1600s, notably in areas that are now New Mexico and California. This early Spanish presence created the initial European foothold in the Southwest, well before other powers settled there. France did explore and settle parts of North America, including areas to the northeast and along the Mississippi, but not in the Southwest as early as Spain. Portugal did not establish settlements in what is now the United States, and England focused on colonies along the Atlantic coast. So, Spain is the first to colonize the southwestern United States.