which two groups were the primary settlers of the southwest West
The two primary groups that settled in the southwest region of the United States are:
1. Native American tribes: Various Native American tribes, such as the Navajo, Apache, Hopi, Pueblo, and Zuni, have inhabited the southwest for thousands of years before European colonization. These tribes have unique cultures and have adapted to the arid desert environment of the region.
2. Spanish Settlers: After Christopher Columbus's expedition in 1492, Spanish explorers and colonizers began to venture into the southwest. Spanish settlers, including soldiers, missionaries, and ranchers, established several colonies and settlements in present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and California. They brought their culture and introduced Christianity, as well as new crops and livestock to the region.