Treaty of Tordesillas

In 1493 the Spanish appealed to the Spain-born pope to support their claim to the Americas. He set a Line of Demarcation that divided the non-European world into two zones. Spain had claims to all lands west of the line. Portugal had the same rights east of the line.

The Treaty of Tordesillas officially established this line in 1494.

Early settlers in Brazil discovered this tree. The Portuguese valued it because its wood produced a reddish-purple dye.

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Brazilwood Tree

The cultures in the colonies were influenced by the cultures of Spain and Portugal. The languages spoken and religions practiced in the European countries passed were brought into their colonies.

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Cultural Diffusion

Agricultural products such as sugar and brazilwood were the main products in Brazil

Portugal - East

West of the Line of Demarcation lie the Andes Mountains. Many valuable minerals can be found here. This influenced the economy here as they focused on producing precious metals.

Spain - West

Economies -

Impact on Natives

European Colonization

Millions of natives died due to exposure to European diseases like smallpox and influenza

The Spanish used native people as slaves to work in their mines and sugar plantations.

Due to the rising death toll of natives, many enslaved Africans were brought to the region - this created blending of many different cultures.