Treaty of Zaragoza

Definition

The Treaty of Zaragoza was an agreement signed in 1529 between Spain and Portugal that settled disputes over their respective claims to territories in the East Indies and defined their spheres of influence. This treaty followed the earlier Treaty of Tordesillas and aimed to clarify the division of newly discovered lands, allowing both countries to expand their maritime empires without conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Zaragoza officially recognized Spain's control over the Philippines and Portugal's rights to its territories in the East Indies.
2. This treaty was important for maintaining peace between Spain and Portugal during a time of fierce competition for overseas expansion.
3. It marked a significant moment in European colonial history, as both empires were able to solidify their claims and reduce potential conflicts.
4. The treaty established a line of demarcation in the Pacific Ocean similar to the one set by the Treaty of Tordesillas for the Atlantic.
5. Despite this agreement, tensions between Spain and Portugal persisted, leading to further conflicts over colonial possessions in later years.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Zaragoza build upon the earlier Treaty of Tordesillas?
  • The Treaty of Zaragoza expanded upon the framework set by the Treaty of Tordesillas by addressing territorial disputes specifically related to claims in the East Indies. While Tordesillas divided lands in the Atlantic and South America, Zaragoza focused on clarifying control over territories discovered in the Pacific. This continuity demonstrates how both treaties sought to minimize conflict between Spain and Portugal as they expanded their empires.
• Discuss the impact of the Treaty of Zaragoza on Spanish and Portuguese maritime exploration.
  • The Treaty of Zaragoza significantly influenced maritime exploration by providing both Spain and Portugal with clearer guidelines for their territorial claims. By recognizing Spain's control over the Philippines and defining Portugal's rights in the East Indies, both nations could confidently pursue trade routes and colonization efforts without fear of infringing on each other's territories. This clarity allowed for more strategic planning in their overseas ventures, ultimately contributing to their expansion as dominant maritime powers.
• Evaluate how the Treaty of Zaragoza reflects broader trends in European imperialism during the 16th century.
  • The Treaty of Zaragoza illustrates key trends in 16th-century European imperialism, particularly the emphasis on legal agreements to manage competition for overseas territories. As Spain and Portugal sought to maximize their wealth through exploration and colonization, treaties like Zaragoza served as tools for legitimizing claims to newly discovered lands. This trend not only highlights the rivalry between these two nations but also sets a precedent for future treaties among emerging European powers as they engaged in similar pursuits across the globe.

Related terms

Treaty of Tordesillas:

A 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between them along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde islands.

Spanish Empire: A global empire that emerged in the late 15th century, encompassing vast territories in the Americas, Asia, and Europe, largely due to maritime exploration and colonization.

Portuguese Empire: A maritime empire that began in the late 15th century, known for its extensive trade networks and colonies established along the coasts of Africa, Asia, and Brazil.