Who built the colonial empire in America before any other nation?

Spain was the first nation to build a colonial empire in America, establishing settlements and claiming vast territories following Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492. The Spanish conquest and colonization began in the Caribbean and expanded to parts of North and South America, driven by the pursuit of wealth, land, and the spread of Christianity. Key figures such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro played significant roles in conquering indigenous empires like the Aztecs and Incas, further solidifying Spain's dominance in the region.