The Treaty of Tordesillas of 1494 divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, establishing spheres of influence for both nations. It created an imaginary line defining Spanish and Portuguese territories and aimed to reduce competition and conflict over exploration. The correct answer to the question is C.
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The Treaty of Tordesillas was a significant agreement made between two major European powers of the late 15th century, Portugal and Spain.
This treaty was signed on June 7, 1494, and was crucial in determining control over newly discovered territories. It was a result of the need to resolve disputes over newly discovered lands by explorers that were claimed by both countries owing to their global explorations.
Key Accomplishments of the Treaty of Tordesillas:
Division of the World: The primary accomplishment of the Treaty of Tordesillas was the division of the non-European world into two zones of influence. A demarcation line was established about 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands. Lands to the west of this line would be Spain's, and lands to the east would belong to Portugal.
Portuguese and Spanish Spheres: This line allowed Portugal to claim territories in Africa, Asia, and eventually Brazil, while Spain gained most of the Americas. This division was based on a previous papal bull issued in 1493 by Pope Alexander VI, known as Inter Caetera .
This treaty was important because it helped prevent conflict between the two rival nations by providing a clear framework for territorial claims. It did not address trade specifically but created spheres of influence for further exploration and colonization.
The correct answer to the question is:
c. It divided the newly discovered world into Portuguese and Spanish spheres of influence.