Study Notes on “The Treaty of Tordesillas: Dividing the New World”

Introduction: The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, marked a pivotal moment in the Age of Exploration. It was an agreement between two of the most powerful maritime nations of the time: Portugal and Spain. This treaty aimed to resolve territorial disputes following the discovery of new lands by explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama. By establishing a line of demarcation, the Treaty of Tordesillas divided the world into two spheres of influence, granting Spain and Portugal exclusive rights over newly discovered territories. Its consequences were far-reaching, affecting not only the two nations involved but also indigenous populations and the broader course of European colonization.

1. Background to the Treaty of Tordesillas

1.1 The Age of Exploration

• The late 15th century marked the Age of Exploration, a time when European nations sought new trade routes, resources, and territories.
• Key explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and John Cabot made significant discoveries during this period, including Columbus’ landing in the Americas in 1492 and Vasco da Gama’s sea route to India around 1498.
• These discoveries, along with the growth of global trade and the pursuit of wealth, sparked intense competition among European powers, particularly Spain and Portugal.

1.2 The Papal Bulls and Early Efforts at Division

• In 1493, Pope Alexander VI issued a series of papal bulls, including the Inter Caetera. These decrees aimed to resolve the competing claims over newly discovered lands by dividing the world between Spain and Portugal.
• The initial demarcation line, set by the Pope, was too vague and caused disputes over which territories each nation could claim.

2. The Terms of the Treaty of Tordesillas

2.1 The Role of the Pope

• Pope Alexander VI played a significant role in mediating between Spain and Portugal. As a Spanish pope, he sought to favor Spain’s interests, but at the same time, he aimed to avoid conflict by proposing a compromise.
• The Treaty of Tordesillas was signed on June 7, 1494, with the aim of formalizing the division of the world and avoiding direct conflict between the two Iberian powers.

2.2 The Line of Demarcation

• The treaty established an imaginary line running from north to south through the Atlantic Ocean. The line, known as the Line of Demarcation, was drawn approximately 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands.
• Spain was granted control of all lands to the west of the line, including the vast territories of the Americas.
• Portugal received control of all lands to the east of the line, including Brazil and territories in Africa and Asia.

2.3 Clarification and Adjustments

• The exact location of the Line of Demarcation was not always clear, and over time, further adjustments were made as explorers ventured further into uncharted territories.
• In 1506, the line was moved slightly further west to accommodate Portugal’s discovery of Brazil in 1500.

3. The Impact of the Treaty on Spain and Portugal

3.1 Spanish Expansion in the Americas

• The Treaty of Tordesillas allowed Spain to establish a vast empire in the Americas, including modern-day Mexico, South America, and parts of the Caribbean.
• Spain’s conquest of the Aztec Empire (1519-1521) and the Inca Empire (1533) marked the height of its colonial expansion.
• The influx of wealth from gold and silver from the Americas, particularly from Mexico and Peru, fueled Spain’s dominance in European politics and economics for centuries.

3.2 Portuguese Dominance in Asia and Africa

• Portugal’s focus shifted to the East and Africa. The nation built a network of trade routes and colonies, particularly in India, Southeast Asia, and along the coasts of Africa.
• Portugal’s success was exemplified by Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and the establishment of Portuguese Goa as a colonial center.
• Brazil, which Portugal claimed as part of its empire, became a significant source of sugar and other agricultural products, making it a valuable part of Portugal’s global trade network.

4. The Broader Impact of the Treaty on World Geography

4.1 Colonial Encounters and Indigenous Populations

• While the Treaty of Tordesillas primarily impacted Spain and Portugal, its effects were felt by indigenous peoples in the newly colonized lands.
• Both Spanish and Portuguese colonizers imposed forced labor, conversion to Christianity, and territorial claims on native populations.
• Indigenous societies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia faced devastation due to disease, warfare, and exploitation under European rule.

4.2 The Role of Other European Powers

• The Treaty of Tordesillas was not recognized by other European powers such as France, England, and the Netherlands.
• These nations would later challenge the Spanish and Portuguese monopolies over the Americas and Asia by establishing their own colonial empires in the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Piracy and privateering became common, with non-Iberian nations attacking Spanish and Portuguese fleets to claim a share of the riches flowing from the Americas and the East.

5. The Decline of the Treaty’s Relevance

5.1 The Changing Balance of Power

• The Treaty of Tordesillas became less effective as exploration continued and new territories were discovered by European powers.
• By the 17th century, England, France, and the Netherlands had established strong colonial presences in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, directly challenging Spain and Portugal.
• The treaty’s line was based on geographical knowledge at the time, which quickly became outdated with further exploration and the rise of new maritime technologies.

5.2 The Treaty’s Legacy

• Despite its decline in influence, the Treaty of Tordesillas had a lasting impact on the geopolitical division of the world in the early modern period.
• The division of the New World between Spain and Portugal shaped the development of the Spanish Empire and the Portuguese Empire for centuries, even as other powers began to assert their own dominance.
• The treaty laid the groundwork for future international agreements and the idea of global spheres of influence among European powers.

6. Conclusion

The Treaty of Tordesillas was a landmark agreement that shaped the course of European exploration and colonization for centuries. By dividing the newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, it prevented conflict between the two nations and laid the foundation for their global empires. However, as other European powers entered the fray, the treaty’s relevance diminished, and it was ultimately superseded by new agreements and the realities of competition in the colonial race. Nonetheless, the treaty remains a key moment in the history of European imperialism and the Age of Exploration, highlighting the significance of territorial division in the development of global trade and politics.

Key Takeaways:

• The Treaty of Tordesillas was a crucial agreement between Spain and Portugal to divide the newly discovered lands.
• Spain gained control of the western hemisphere, while Portugal controlled the east, including Brazil.
• The treaty had lasting effects on the development of both the Spanish and Portuguese empires, and it influenced European exploration and colonization.
• Despite its initial success, the treaty became irrelevant as other European powers began to challenge the Spanish and Portuguese monopolies.