Question

Consider the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) and tell How does the treaty explain why Spain sent sailing ships to Asia by heading west across the Atlantic Ocean?

a) Ensuring territorial control in the Americas
b) Establishing diplomatic relations with Asian nations
c) Resolving conflicts with other European powers
d) Expanding global trade networks

Answer 1

The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) allowed Spain to head west across the Atlantic in search of a western route to Asia for trade, particularly the spice trade, within their allotted sphere of influence, thereby expanding global trade networks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) explains why Spain sent sailing ships to Asia by heading west across the Atlantic Ocean with the goal of expanding global trade networks. This treaty, signed between Portugal and Spain, drew an imaginary line about halfway between the Cape Verde Islands and the islands Columbus had discovered, with lands and routes to the east belonging to Portugal and those to the west to Spain. The treaty allowed Spain to sail westward in pursuit of establishing a western route to Asia and the acutely sought-after spice trade, operating within their allotted sphere of influence without conflict with Portugal.

Spain's subsequent push westward led to the circumnavigation of the globe and further agreements like the Treaty of Zaragoza, which established the specific boundaries of Spanish influence in Asia, such as leaving the Moluccas to Portugal but giving the Philippines to Spain. Thus, Spain was able to forge a vital base for their operations in Asian trade, notably after establishing lucrative silver mining operations in the Americas.