Spain was the first European power to colonize Latin America, beginning with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Caribbean in 1492. Over the next three centuries, Spain established a vast empire that stretched from Mexico to Argentina. Spanish rule was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy, with Europeans at the top and indigenous peoples at the bottom. The Spanish also imposed their language, religion, and culture on the region.
Portugal
Portugal was the second European power to colonize Latin America, beginning with the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral in Brazil in 1500. Portugal established a colony in Brazil that would eventually become the largest country in Latin America. Portuguese rule in Brazil was similar to Spanish rule in the rest of Latin America, but there were some important differences. For example, the Portuguese were more tolerant of indigenous religions and cultures, and they allowed for more social mobility between Europeans and indigenous peoples.
France
France also established colonies in Latin America, but they were not as extensive as the Spanish and Portuguese colonies. The French established colonies in the Caribbean, as well as in Guyana and Saint-Domingue (now Haiti). French rule in Latin America was marked by a strong emphasis on cultural assimilation, and the French attempted to impose their language and culture on the indigenous peoples of their colonies.
Great Britain
Great Britain also established colonies in Latin America, primarily in the Caribbean and Belize. British rule in Latin America was relatively short-lived, but it had a significant impact on the region. The British introduced new economic crops, such as sugar and tobacco, and they also established a number of important trading ports.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands also established colonies in Latin America, primarily in the Caribbean and Guyana. Dutch rule in Latin America was characterized by a focus on trade, and the Dutch established a number of important trading posts in the region.