Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

Portugal was not one of the main empires involved in the colonization of the Americas compared to Spain, France, and Great Britain. While Portugal did establish a significant presence in Brazil, its overall colonization efforts in the Americas were much more limited than those of the other three nations, which had extensive colonial territories and structured colonial administrations across North America, the Caribbean, and larger parts of South America.

Spain is well known for its vast conquests and settlements, including those in present-day Mexico, Central America, and a large portion of South America. France also played a crucial role in colonization, particularly in parts of North America and the Caribbean. Great Britain established numerous colonies along the eastern seaboard of what is now the United States and in the Caribbean.

In contrast, Portugal's primary focus was on Africa and Asia during the Age of Exploration, with Brazil being the major exception due to its role in the sugar trade and its geographical proximity, which led to a different colonial strategy compared to other European powers. Thus, Portugal stands out as the country least involved in the broader colonization efforts in the Americas.