The spanish first moved into the north american southwest?

The Spanish first moved into the North American Southwest in the 16th century, with explorers like Francisco Vázquez de Coronado leading expeditions in search of wealth and new territories. They established missions and settlements, significantly impacting the indigenous populations and cultures in the region. The Spanish influence introduced new agricultural practices, livestock, and Christianity, which transformed the landscape and social structures of the area. This period marked the beginning of centuries of Spanish colonization and cultural exchange in what is now the southwestern United States.