* Land claimed: The Spanish claimed vast swathes of territory in the Americas, from Mexico to much of South America. The French, while exploring widely, primarily focused on the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes regions of North America. In terms of sheer territory, the Spanish win.
* Economic gain: The Spanish Empire was incredibly wealthy due to its gold and silver mines in the Americas, as well as its control of trade routes. The French, while focusing more on trade and fur trapping, were less financially successful overall.
* Impact on history: Both empires had significant impacts on the world, both positive and negative. The Spanish conquest of the Americas led to the destruction of numerous indigenous cultures and populations, but also brought European advancements to the New World. The French, while less impactful on a massive scale, played a significant role in shaping the history of North America, through trade, settlement, and conflict.
Ultimately, who you consider "most successful" depends on your criteria.
Here's a quick comparison:
Spanish Exploration:
* Pros: Massive territorial gains, immense wealth from resources, significant impact on global trade.
* Cons: Brutal conquest and colonization, devastating effects on indigenous populations.
French Exploration:
* Pros: Skilled navigators and explorers, focused on trade and diplomacy, established strong relationships with indigenous groups.
* Cons: Smaller territorial claims, less wealth than the Spanish, faced competition from other European powers.
Both the French and Spanish explorers made significant contributions to the history of exploration. It's important to study and acknowledge the complexity and the various dimensions of their impacts.