Question

The fact that Spain, rather than its rival,Portugal, was the leading power in the Americans in the 15th and 16th centuries was mostly the result of the ________________________.

• A. fact that Spanish ship were faster than Portuguese ships
• B. large number of Spanish settlers who arrived in the New World
• C. Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494
• D. success of Christopher Columbus in the New World
• E. large treasury that had been accumulated by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

Answer 1

The correct option is C Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494

The results of the Spanish and Portuguese conquests in America was the Treaty of Tordesillas signed n 1494. The treaty neatly divide the new world into land, resources and people claimed by Spain and Portugal. The treaty worked well for Spanish and Portuguese empires but less so far for the 50 million people already living in established communities in America.