T/F Spain expanded its empire into Florida and New Mexico partly to block French and English intrusions?

Question

T/F Spain expanded its empire into Florida and New Mexico partly to block French and English intrusions?

Answer 1

I think its False

Answer 2

False. Ponce de Leon, best known for his searching for the Fountain of Youth, tried establishing the first Spanish colony in 1521. This attempt failed due to attacks by the Native Americans. Over the next several decades other attempts were made, some slightly more succesful than de Leon's attempt. 1565 marked the first permanent Spanish colony in Florida, St. Augustine. The first English attempt to colonize the New World was Roanoke, in 1586 and then again in 1587. The 1587 attepmt is the Lost Colony.

The first Spanish settlement in New Mexico was in 1598, San Juan de los Caballeros. This is nine years before the English would establish their first permanent settment at Jamestown. And long before they ever pushed past the Mississippi River.