How did England, France, or Spain typically obtain early title from the Indians?

The correct answer reflects the historical practice of European powers, such as England, France, and Spain, acquiring land from Indigenous populations through formal treaties and agreements. These treaties were typically solemn and recognized as legitimate transactions, wherein the Indigenous peoples would sell or cede their land rights. The terms of these treaties were often vested in the king or the reigning authority, establishing an official legal framework for land ownership.

This method of acquiring title was perceived as a way to legitimize the transfer of land, and it was often accompanied by promises of compensation, although the fulfillment of such promises varied significantly. The formalization of these transactions was intended to provide some degree of order and recognition of the existing claims of Indigenous people, despite the complexities and inequities that often characterized these agreements.

Understanding this context is crucial as it highlights the colonial mindset and legal frameworks that influenced land ownership. The other options reflect less formal or less recognized means of acquiring title, which typically did not carry the same level of legitimacy in the eyes of European powers or reflected a misunderstanding or disregard for Indigenous land rights.