Tratados de Limites: Parte 1

Summary

In this educational video, the professor discusses the historical context of European navigation during the Age of Discovery, focusing on the exploration of the Americas. It covers the roles of Portugal and Spain, the discoveries of Columbus and other navigators, and the subsequent impact on the Americas. The video also delves into key treaties like the Bula Inter Coetera and the Treaty of Tordesillas, which were instrumental in defining territorial boundaries for Spain and Portugal. The professor highlights the significance of these treaties in shaping the colonization and occupation of the Americas.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses the importance of historical events and their connection to the discovery and colonization of the Americas, particularly focusing on Brazil.
• 😀 It highlights the complexity of the navigations and territorial boundaries during the Age of Exploration.
• 😀 Portugal and Spain played major roles in mapping and claiming territories in the Americas during the Age of Exploration.
• 😀 The script explains the role of the Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, which divided the New World between Portugal and Spain.
• 😀 The Treaty of Tordesillas lasted until 1750 and had significant implications for the colonization of South America.
• 😀 The first treaty, the Bula Inter Coetera (1493), was designed to assign territories of the New World to Spain based on the Pope's decrees.
• 😀 Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492 is discussed, clarifying that America was 'found' rather than 'discovered', as it was already inhabited by indigenous peoples.
• 😀 The script emphasizes that indigenous cultures, such as the Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs, were well-established long before European exploration.
• 😀 The Treaty of Tordesillas created an imaginary line to divide colonial possessions, starting from Cabo Verde and extending westward.
• 😀 The economic motivations behind the treaties, such as access to resources like spices and gold, are highlighted as key drivers of colonial expansion.

Q & A

What was the main theme discussed in the lecture?

The lecture focused on the historical context of European exploration and the territorial disputes between Spain and Portugal, particularly regarding the discovery and colonization of the Americas, including the significance of the Treaties of Tordesillas and Inter Caetera.

What was the role of the Treaties of Tordesillas and Inter Caetera?

These treaties were agreements made to resolve territorial disputes between Spain and Portugal. The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, divided the world into Spanish and Portuguese spheres of influence, while the Inter Caetera papal bull, issued in 1493, granted Spain control over the Americas.

How did the Age of Exploration impact the division of territories between Spain and Portugal?

During the Age of Exploration, both Spain and Portugal sought to expand their empires by discovering new trade routes. This led to territorial claims in the Americas and Africa, resulting in the establishment of treaties like the Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided the world between the two powers.

What was the significance of Christopher Columbus's discovery of the Americas?

Columbus's discovery of the Americas in 1492 was significant because it opened up the New World to European exploration and colonization, although the Americas were already inhabited by indigenous peoples. His voyage also prompted the drawing of new maps and the creation of the concept of the 'New World' in European consciousness.

Why is it important to say that the Americas were 'discovered' rather than 'found'?

It is important to say the Americas were 'discovered' rather than 'found' because the term 'found' implies the region was unknown or uninhabited, which is inaccurate. Indigenous peoples had been living in the Americas for thousands of years before Columbus arrived.

What was the role of the Papacy in the territorial division between Spain and Portugal?

The Papacy, specifically Pope Alexander VI, played a crucial role in legitimizing the territorial divisions between Spain and Portugal. The papal bulls like Inter Caetera granted exclusive rights to Spain over territories in the Americas and helped establish European control over the newly discovered lands.

What were the consequences of the Treaty of Tordesillas for Brazil?

The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, established an imaginary line dividing the world between Spain and Portugal. This treaty gave Portugal control over Brazil, which was located just east of the line. As a result, Brazil became a Portuguese colony rather than a Spanish one.

What was the geographical starting point for the division of territories as per the Treaty of Tordesillas?

The Treaty of Tordesillas established Cabo Verde as the starting point for the division of territories, with the line extending 370 leagues westward from the islands. This line determined which territories would be controlled by Spain and which by Portugal.

How did the concept of the 'périplo africano' relate to the Portuguese explorations?

The 'périplo africano' was the Portuguese route around the African continent to reach the East. This maritime journey, which began in the 15th century, was part of Portugal's efforts to find a sea route to India and the East, bypassing the overland routes controlled by other powers.

What role did the Portuguese and Spanish monarchies play in the exploration of the Americas?

The Portuguese and Spanish monarchies, through royal sponsorship, played a central role in the Age of Exploration. Spain sponsored Columbus’s voyage to find a westward route to Asia, while Portugal sponsored voyages along the African coast to find an eastern route. Both countries sought to expand their territories and gain access to lucrative trade routes.