Question

In 1493, Pope Alexander VI issued the papal bull Inter Caetera and created the Line of Demarcation. What was the effect of the Line of Demarcation?

A) It had no significant impact on history.
B) It divided the world into two spheres of influence for Spain and Portugal, leading to disputes over territories.
C) It marked the beginning of religious reforms in Europe.
D) It resulted in peaceful negotiations between European nations.

Answer 1

The Line of Demarcation, established by Pope Alexander VI, had a major impact on history by dividing the world into Spanish and Portuguese zones of influence, leading to the Treaty of Tordesillas. This division shaped the cultural and linguistic landscape of the Americas, resulting in Portuguese being the dominant language in Brazil.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1493, Pope Alexander VI issued the papal bull Inter Caetera, effectively establishing the Line of Demarcation. This demarcation had a significant impact on history as it divided the world into two spheres of influence for Spain and Portugal, which would lead to the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494. The treaty adjusted the original line and gave Spain control over most of the Americas, while Portugal was granted rights over parts of Africa, Asia, and the territory of present-day Brazil. This division influenced the cultural and linguistic development of these regions, with Portuguese becoming the dominant language in Brazil and Spanish in most of Central and South America.