Which countries joined Spain and Portugal in the \[ \text { race to claim the Americas? } \] France, England, and the Netherlands the Ottoman Empire and the Mughal Empire China, Mongolia, and Vietnam

France, England, and the Netherlands jumped into the race for the Americas like kids on a playground! After seeing the wealth and resources that Spain and Portugal were raking in from their colonies, these countries sent explorers to claim their share. This led to fierce competition and intriguing alliances, plus a dash of conflict as they all vied for a piece of the New World pie! As these European powers set their sights on the Americas, they sought not just land but also profits from gold, silver, and trade. The establishment of colonies brought about the exchange of culture, ideas, and goods, known as the Columbian Exchange, but it also had devastating effects on Indigenous populations through disease and displacement, forever changing the Americas and the world!