One major difference between the two is that the Spanish colonies were much more intensively settled and a much more developed economy was created there than in French colonies. French colonies were sparsely settled and were used mainly as ways to trade with the Indians for furs.
Wikipedia , or look up george washighton
By 1000 CE, Europe has not emerged out to be a strong and unique nation as how it is today. French Capetian Dynasty was the only kingdom which started to emerge between 1000 to 1400 CE.
Spain was under the control of Muslim Caliphates at that time.
Many tribal people of Germany who belonged to present day Denmark and Saxons from north Germany invaded Britain in 1000 CE. Roman rule of Britain disappeared gradually and what was remained was distributed among Anglo Saxons.
Spain wanted to spread Catholisism and convert the Native Americans.
It completely messed them up and they understood that they were no longer in the dominant position but rather caught in a stalemate. They knew that instead of fighting these two world powers which would ensure mutual destruction, they instead had to contain their ideology. So they never fought the Chinese or the Soviets, excluding the odd relations with China during the Korean war, and they focused on other countries where communism was spreading.
