Question

which european settlers first settled what is now the western united states?○ the french○ the dutch○ the spanish○ the british

Explanation:

Spanish explorers and settlers established colonies and missions in regions that are now the southwestern and western U.S. starting in the 16th century, earlier than other European groups listed. The French focused more on the Midwest/Great Lakes, the Dutch on the Northeast, and the British initially on the Atlantic coast before expanding west later.

Answer:

the Spanish