Let´s review all the options mentioned as possible answers to this question. After Colon's arrival to America, the Portuguese Empire and Crown of Castile and León (Spain) signed the Treaty of Tordesillas to divide the new lands. This Treaty was ratified by Pope Julius II in 1506. The Portuguese colonization of Brazil, Africa and the Far East came after this Treaty. So, option D is inaccurate. During centuries XVI and XVII, Portugal held two important wars. Between 1588 and 1654 with the Netherlands supported by England and with Spain, between 1640 and 1668. Portugal signed an alliance with France between 1641 and 1659 and with England from 1662 and 1668 to fight against Spain. According to these facts, alternatives A and C are also inaccurate. During war against the Netherlands, it was very frequent that Dutch and English ships attacked and sacked Portuguese galleons and harbors. Therefore, the correct answer is B. They attacked Portuguese ships and trading posts.