Spain claimed the most land in South America during the colonial period.
Spain's Dominance in South American Colonization
During the era of European expansion into the New World, Spain established an empire of unparalleled size, becoming the largest colonial power in terms of land area. In South America, its territorial claims vastly overshadowed those of other European nations.
- Extensive Reach: Spain's colonial empire in South America encompassed the majority of the continent. Its dominion extended over vast regions that today constitute numerous independent nations, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. This extensive control solidified Spain's position as the primary land claimant.
- Exclusion of Brazil: The notable exception to Spain's widespread claims in South America was the territory of Brazil, which fell under the colonial rule of Portugal. Despite Portugal's significant hold on Brazil, the combined land area claimed by Spain across the rest of South America was greater than any single colonial possession by another European power on the continent.
Key European Powers and Their South American Territories
To understand the scope of colonial claims, it's helpful to consider the primary European nations involved and their major territories in South America:
| European Power | Primary South American Territory Claimed |
|---|---|
| Spain | Most of South America (excluding Brazil) |
| Portugal | Brazil |
This overview demonstrates that while Portugal held a substantial portion of South America with Brazil, Spain's aggregated territories across the continent represented a larger overall landmass, making it the European country that claimed the most land in South America.
