Who were the first Europeans to gain a stronghold in the New World?

Who were the first Europeans to gain a stronghold in the New World?

• A. The Spanish
• B. The English
• C. The French
• D. The Portuguese

Answer: (A)

After 1492, Europeans quickly began to settle the Americas, and the Spanish moved fastest to establish permanent presence. They claimed Caribbean islands and then vast regions in Central and South America, building forts, towns, and missions to secure their control and spread their influence. Santo Domingo on Hispaniola became one of the earliest and strongest bases, helping the Spanish maintain a durable foothold in the New World. Other powers later established their own colonies and forts, but the Spanish were first to gain that solid, lasting presence.

After 1492, Europeans quickly began to settle the Americas, and the Spanish moved fastest to establish permanent presence. They claimed Caribbean islands and then vast regions in Central and South America, building forts, towns, and missions to secure their control and spread their influence. Santo Domingo on Hispaniola became one of the earliest and strongest bases, helping the Spanish maintain a durable foothold in the New World. Other powers later established their own colonies and forts, but the Spanish were first to gain that solid, lasting presence.