Colonies were a great source of wealth and power
There were actually SEVEN countries which set up colonies in the Americas: Spain, Portugal, France, England, Holland, Sweden and Russia
Spain
north america
Spain
They Owned land in the Americas because they claimed to have discovered when they discovered it and they set up colonies such as the original 13 in America or other ones in Mexico Canada or other places
Colonies were a great source of wealth and power
Spain, Portugal and France
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Spain set up most of the colonies, since Portugal was initially prevented from doing so, except in Brazil.
Spain and Portugal. Under the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494), the Spanish were granted the right to claim lands west of the line (most of the Americas) while the Portuguese could claim lands east of it (Brazil, colonies in India and Asia).
Spain, France, and England
ain set up colonies in alrge areas of both continents