Final answer:
The Spanish claims were affected by a series of treaties, notably the Treaty of Zaragoza in 1529, which divided the Pacific between Portugal and Spain. The Philippines became a strategic asset for Spain after losing the Spice Islands to Portugal. Over time, Spain's global influence declined due to revolutions, conflicts, and diplomatic challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we consider the Spanish claims throughout history, we notice a pattern of treaties and conflicts as Spain sought to expand and maintain its territories around the world. Initially, after Columbus's voyages, Spain's claim to the Caribbean islands and subsequent lands appeared to challenge pre-existing treaties and papal decrees. As a result, Pope Alexander VI intervened, creating the line of demarcation which favored Spain but also led to future conflicts with Portugal, another dominant seafaring nation.
The situation escalated when Portugal and Spain signed the Treaty of Zaragoza in 1529, which divided the Pacific between them. This treaty granted the Moluccas to Portugal and the Philippines to Spain. Despite Spain's initial disappointment in not securing the Spice Islands, the Philippines became a critical base for trade, especially as silver mining soared in Spanish colonies in the Americas.
In later years, Spain's influence began to wane due to multiple factors, including revolutions in Latin America and challenges to Spanish governance by indigenous peoples like the Incas. Compounded by issues such as an inability to reach an agreement over Florida with the United States and the gradual loss of territorial claims, Spain's global dominion diminished over the centuries.