Colonial Possessions in the Americas

Explore territories controlled by Spain, France, Portugal, and Britain before the Revolutionary War. Only one empire is shown at a time.

Spain
France
Portugal
Britain

Spanish Possessions in the Americas

This view shows areas ruled by Spain. Click a colored region on the map to learn which explorers claimed it and why it was important.

    Boundaries are simplified and show general spheres of influence, not exact historical borders.

    Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Colonial Empires

    Use the map and region descriptions to answer these 10 questions. Then click Submit Answers to see your score.

    1. Which empire controlled most of South America (except Brazil)?



    2. Which explorer claimed the Mississippi River Valley and named it “Louisiana”?



    3. Which European nation controlled the Thirteen Colonies along the Atlantic coast?



    4. Brazil was controlled by which colonial power?



    5. Which empire focused heavily on the fur trade in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes region?



    6. Who conquered the Aztec Empire for Spain?



    7. Which empire controlled many sugar islands in the Caribbean, including Jamaica and Barbados?



    8. What was the main economic activity in the French Caribbean colonies?



    9. Which empire’s colony included St. Augustine, the oldest permanent European city in what is now the United States?



    10. Which empire’s early explorers included John Cabot, who sailed along the North American Atlantic coast?