History of the United States I / Unit 2 USH1 0156 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Treaty of Tordesillas
Captions available
The idea
Portugal claimed Columbus's discoveries under an earlier papal grant. Spain turned to the Spanish-born Pope Alexander the Sixth, who legitimised Spain's claims at Portugal's expense.
In practice
The fourteen ninety-four treaty drawing a north-to-south line through South America.
Where people slip
Spain took west of the line and Portugal east, which is how Portugal retained Brazil.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for History of the United States I