Which European country was the first to explore and map out modern day Texas A. England B. France C. Portugal D. Spain
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D. Spain
Spain was the first European country to explore and map out modern-day Texas. The Spanish conquest and colonization began in the 16th century when explorers like Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and later conquistadors, such as Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, ventured into the region that is now Texas. These explorations led to the establishment of Spanish missions, settlements, and mapping of the territory, which became part of the Spanish empire in the New World until Mexico's independence in the early 19th century, which then included the territory of present-day Texas.
Extra: The era of European exploration began in the late 15th century when nations were seeking new trade routes and resources. This Age of Discovery led many countries, such as Portugal and Spain, to send out explorers to map the world and claim territories for their crown. Spain was particularly successful in the Americas, establishing vast colonies that spanned from South America into what is now the southwestern United States, including Texas.
The Spanish expeditions were driven by the search for gold, the desire to spread Christianity, and the strategic need to protect their claims from other European powers, such as France and England. Many of the first European settlements in Texas were Spanish missions, which were religious outposts established by Catholic priests to convert the indigenous population to Christianity. Alongside these missions, the Spanish also founded presidios, or military forts, to protect their interests and settlers. These missions and presidios laid the foundations for many of the towns and cities in Texas today.
Spain's claim to Texas was contested by France, which also made expeditions to the region. However, it was the Spanish who had a more enduring impact on the area until the region became part of the independent nation of Mexico in the early 19th century, after which Texas would eventually become part of the United States.