The Treaty of Tordesillas – The Agreement That Divided South America Between Spain and Portugal
The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement signed on June 7, 1494, between Spain and Portugal. The agreement was reached to divide South America between the two colonial powers, thus preventing any conflicts over territorial claims in the region.
The treaty was a product of the rivalry between Spain and Portugal at the time, who were both determined to expand their influence and territories beyond Europe. The discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492 had opened up new frontiers for exploration, and both Spain and Portugal wanted to stake their claims to as much of the new world as possible.
Under the terms of the treaty, the world was divided into two hemispheres – the eastern hemisphere was to be controlled by Portugal, while the western hemisphere would belong to Spain. The dividing line was drawn along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands, which were then under Portuguese control.
The treaty was signed with the approval of the Pope, who hoped to avoid conflict between the two nations and to encourage the spread of Christianity to the newly discovered lands. However, the Pope`s authority was not accepted by many non-Catholic countries, and the agreement was not universally recognized.
The Treaty of Tordesillas had a significant impact on the history of South America. The division of the continent between Spain and Portugal played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the region. The Spanish colonization of South America led to the establishment of the Viceroyalty of Peru, which encompassed the entire western coast of South America, as well as parts of Central America. The Portuguese colonization, on the other hand, led to the establishment of Brazil, which became the largest country in South America.
In conclusion, the Treaty of Tordesillas was a crucial agreement that divided South America between Spain and Portugal. The treaty shaped the political and cultural landscape of the continent and laid the groundwork for centuries of colonization and exploration. As such, it remains a significant historical event that continues to be studied and remembered to this day.