When exploring the history of America, one of the most commonly asked questions is, "Who colonized America first?" This is a complex topic with a rich history that spans several centuries. Spain and Portugal were the first European countries to colonize America, marking the beginning of an era of exploration and expansion that would forever change the continent.

Spain and Portugal were the first European countries to colonize America. Spain established the first permanent European settlement in America in 1493, with the founding of Santo Domingo in present-day Dominican Republic. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the Americas, which would eventually spread to Central and South America.

Portugal, on the other hand, focused its efforts on exploring and colonizing present-day Brazil. In 1500, Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral claimed Brazil for Portugal, leading to the establishment of the colony of Brazil. Portugal would go on to establish a vast colonial empire in Brazil, expanding its influence throughout the region.

While Spain and Portugal were the first European countries to colonize America, they were followed by other European powers, including England, France, and the Netherlands. These countries established their own colonies in America, leading to a complex web of colonization and exploration that would shape the history of the continent.

Overall, Spain and Portugal were the first European countries to colonize America, laying the foundation for centuries of exploration and expansion in the New World. Their efforts would forever change the continent, leaving a lasting impact on the history of America.