why did the spanish, french, portuguese and others lag behind in the developing colonial america?

Answer 1

They did not. Christopher Columbus and future Spanish explorers predominantly colonized Mexico, Central and South America; the Portuguese colonized Brazil, while the French explored farther to the North, including much of eastern Canada. The French and Indian War (in which the Indians fought on the side of the French) was waged between the French and the British (who won) for control of what are now the New England States. The Dutch originally settled New York (New Amsterdam) which they eventually ceded to the British who had established their colonies in what became the original thirteen United States. The U. S. bought the Louisiana Purchase (which reached from the state of Louisiana on a diagonal to the eventual state of Washington) from the French in 1803. The Spanish were the first Europeans to settle California and the other present Southwest states. As you can see, all of the Europeans were ultimately deposed by the United States, either via war, seizure, or purchase...

Answer 2

They didn't lag behind at all.

The French colonized present day Canada and parts of the United States (i.e. Louisiana Purchase).

The Spanish and Portuguese had an agreement (treaty of tordesillas) which divided the new lands which were being discovered. The Portuguese colonized Brazil and the Spanish colonized the rest of South America, Central America, as well as the Caribbean.

Spain was actually the most successful European nation in the New World. They had by far the most colonies, and also developed a better system of governing their colonies (thanks to the Bourbon Reforms). Spain had the longest lasting effect on the Americas which is why the majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere are Spanish speaking countries.

Answer 3

Since the "founding fathers" who signed the governmental documents to declare the land the United States of America were European and spoke English as a primary language, I would assume that is why English became the unofficial primary language here in the U.S.

Answer 4

too busy elsewhere