Spain and Portugal Divide the World
Spain and Portugal Divide the World is a Grade 7 history skill from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 9: Global Convergence. Students learn how Spain and Portugal used the papal Line of Demarcation and the Treaty of Tordesillas to divide newly discovered non-European lands, assigning most of the Americas to Spain and Brazil to Portugal.
Key Concepts
After Columbus's voyages, Spain and Portugal became major rivals in exploring the globe. To prevent war over newly discovered lands, the two Catholic kingdoms agreed to divide the non European world between them.
The Pope helped create this division by drawing the Line of Demarcation on a map. This imaginary line gave Spain the right to claim most of the Americas, while Portugal received control of Africa and Asia.
Common Questions
How did Spain and Portugal divide the world?
To prevent war over newly discovered lands, the two kingdoms asked the Pope to draw a Line of Demarcation. This gave Spain the right to claim most of the Americas while Portugal received territories including Brazil.
What was the Line of Demarcation?
The Line of Demarcation was an imaginary line drawn by the Pope on a map to divide newly discovered non-European lands between Spain and Portugal. It was later adjusted by the Treaty of Tordesillas.
What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?
The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) was an agreement between Spain and Portugal that moved the Line of Demarcation westward, giving Portugal the right to claim Brazil while Spain retained rights to most of the Americas.
What chapter in myWorld Interactive Grade 7 covers Spain and Portugal dividing the world?
Chapter 9: Global Convergence in California myWorld Interactive Grade 7 covers how Spain and Portugal divided the world.
Why did Spain get most of the Americas while Portugal got Brazil?
The Treaty of Tordesillas drew a line through South America, placing most of the continent on Spain's side. Brazil happened to fall on Portugal's side of the line, determining which nation would colonize each region.