Treaty of Tordesillas

Definition

The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement between Spain and Portugal, signed in 1494, that divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two countries along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde islands. This treaty was significant in shaping the colonial ambitions of both nations and laid the groundwork for their respective empires, particularly in the context of crossing the Atlantic and establishing Portuguese territories in South America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Tordesillas was prompted by competition between Spain and Portugal over newly discovered territories following Columbus's voyages.
2. The treaty was mediated by Pope Alexander VI, who sought to resolve disputes between the two nations to prevent conflict over colonization efforts.
3. Portugal gained control over Brazil due to its position east of the Line of Demarcation established by the treaty.
4. The agreement effectively ignored claims by other European powers and indigenous populations, leading to significant cultural and territorial impacts.
5. The Treaty of Tordesillas was later challenged by other European nations, leading to conflicts as countries like England, France, and the Netherlands sought their own colonies.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Tordesillas influence Spanish and Portuguese colonial strategies in the New World?
  • The Treaty of Tordesillas created a framework for Spanish and Portuguese colonial strategies by clearly defining territorial claims. Spain focused on establishing vast colonies in Central and South America, while Portugal concentrated on Africa and Brazil. This division allowed both nations to explore and exploit their respective territories with less risk of conflict over land ownership.
• Evaluate the impact of the Treaty of Tordesillas on indigenous populations in the territories affected by the agreement.
  • The Treaty of Tordesillas had a profound impact on indigenous populations as it disregarded their existing claims to land and governance. Both Spain and Portugal imposed their rule over these territories, leading to significant cultural disruption, forced conversions to Christianity, and exploitation of resources. The treaty essentially facilitated colonization efforts that resulted in population decline due to disease and conflict.
• Analyze how the outcomes of the Treaty of Tordesillas set precedents for future European treaties concerning colonial claims and territorial disputes.
  • The Treaty of Tordesillas set a crucial precedent for future European treaties by establishing a method for resolving territorial disputes through negotiation rather than warfare. This approach influenced later agreements as colonial powers sought to delineate borders without direct conflict. Additionally, it highlighted Europe's tendency to prioritize its interests while marginalizing indigenous rights, which became a common theme in subsequent colonial policies and international relations.

Related terms

Line of Demarcation: The imaginary line established by the Treaty of Tordesillas that divided the New World between Spain and Portugal, with Spain receiving lands to the west and Portugal to the east.

Spanish Empire: A vast empire established by Spain during the Age of Exploration, encompassing territories in the Americas, parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, heavily influenced by treaties like Tordesillas.

Age of Exploration:

A period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century characterized by European exploration and colonization of new lands, spurred by competition between nations like Spain and Portugal.