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Treaty of Tordesillas
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Treaty of Tordesillas Article

What did the Treaty of Tordesillas do?

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In theory, the Treaty of Tordesillas divided the New World into Spanish and Portuguese spheres of influence. The treaty amended papal bulls issued by Pope Alexander VI in 1493. These declarations had granted Spain an exclusive claim to the entirety of North and South America. Alexander wished to accommodate the colonial aspirations of the Catholic Monarchs of his native land. Portugal objected, and the Treaty of Tordesillas shifted the line of demarcation more than 800 miles to the west.

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