Question

Why did Portuguese and Spanish maritime empires adopt different pattern during the 16th century?

Question 2 options:

Spain is a bigger country, so it can afford to build and run large overseas colonies.

Portugal controlled Asia, in which trade with port cities already generated enough profits.

It would much harder, if not impossible, for Portugal to colonize regions in Africa and Asia.

All of the above.

Answer 1

The Portuguese and Spanish empires developed distinct colonial patterns due to treaty agreements, different imperial goals, and variations in resources and geography. The Treaty of Tordesillas divided their zones of influence, with Portugal focusing on trade in established networks and Spain on resource extraction and settler colonization in the Americas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Portuguese and Spanish maritime empires adopted different patterns in the 16th century due to varying geopolitical circumstances, objectives, and resources. The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 played a significant role in this differentiation. The Portuguese, with early advancements in maritime technology and a strategic geographic position, focused on establishing trade ports along the coast of West Africa and in India. They capitalised on pre-existing trade networks, especially in Asia, where trade with port cities was already profitable. Portugal's model of empire was largely built on trade, whereas the Spanish empire, with vast territories discovered in the Americas, focused on extracting resources and settler colonisation. Competition with other European powers also influenced different patterns of imperial control, but in the case of the Spanish and Portuguese, their licensing by the Pope and subsequent treaties allowed them to establish specific zones of influence without interference from each other.

Answer 2

The 16th-century colonial patterns of Portugal and Spain were shaped by their geographic locations, historical backgrounds, and strategic approaches, with the Treaty of Tordesillas playing a significant role in their differing practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The different patterns adopted by Portuguese and Spanish maritime empires during the 16th century were influenced by various factors, including geography, trade, strategic interests, and historical context. Portugal, with its maritime tradition and strategic location, established trading ports in critical areas such as West Africa and India.

Spain, on the other hand, explored vast new lands post-Columbus's voyage and controlled its colonies rigidly, transferring treasures back to the mother country.