Historical Events tagged with "colonization"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Treaty of Tordesillas Divides the New World
The Treaty of Tordesillas was signed between Spain and Portugal in 1494 to divide newly discovered lands outside of Europe, primarily in the Americas. The agreement, brokered by Pope Alexander VI, established a demarcation line for colonial claims in the west. This line allowed Spain to claim territories west of the line and Portugal to claim lands east of it, effectively splitting the New World between the two maritime powers. This treaty was a pivotal moment in the Age of Exploration, highlighting the competition for empire in the Americas.
Continue ReadingColumbus Claims Jamaica for Spain
During his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus sights Jamaica while navigating the Caribbean Sea. He lands at Discovery Bay, where he claims the island for the Spanish Crown. This declaration marks the beginning of European interest in Jamaica, setting the stage for future colonization efforts in the Caribbean.
Continue ReadingColumbus Lands on Borinquen, Names it San Juan Bautista
Christopher Columbus, during his second voyage, landed on an island he named Borinquen after spotting it the previous day. He designated it as San Juan Bautista in honor of Saint John the Baptist. This landing was part of Columbus's broader mission of exploration in the New World and marked an important moment in the history of the Caribbean.
Continue ReadingColumbus Sets Sail on Second Voyage
Christopher Columbus departed from Cadiz with 17 ships and 1,200 men, embarking on his second voyage to the New World. This expedition aimed to explore and establish Spanish claims on new territories discovered during his first journey. Columbus sought to return to the lands he had previously encountered, fueled by the ambition to enhance Spain's wealth and expand its influence overseas. As he departed, many were hopeful that this voyage would yield greater riches and valuable resources for Spain.
Continue ReadingPapal Bull Divides New World Between Spain and Portugal
Pope Alexander VI issued the papal bull Inter caetera to divide newly discovered lands in the Americas between Spain and Portugal. This decree was rooted in the Treaty of Tordesillas and established the Line of Demarcation, which showed the distribution of influence over the New World. The move aimed to resolve conflicts and competition between these nations following Christopher Columbus's voyages. The line was significant as it affected colonial interests and laid the groundwork for future territorial disputes that shaped the Americas.
Continue ReadingPapal Bull Grants Portugal African Rights
The papal bull Romanus Pontifex was issued, granting the Kingdom of Portugal the exclusive rights to trade and colonization throughout Africa south of Cape Bojador. This decree was a significant endorsement of Portuguese exploration and expansion in Africa. It was motivated by the desire to spread Christianity and to maximize trade profits from newly discovered territories. The bull recognized the Portuguese efforts to establish control over maritime routes and promote their economic interests in the region.
Continue ReadingPope Eugene IV's Decree on Guanche Enslavement
Pope Eugene IV issued the bull 'Sicut Dudum', which prohibited the enslavement of Guanche natives in the Canary Islands who had converted or were converting to Christianity. This decree aimed to protect the indigenous population from exploitation by Spanish settlers, emphasizing their newfound faith's significance. The bull represented a response to the burgeoning plantation economy in the islands and the treatment of the indigenous people, reinforcing the Church's position on ethical treatment and conversion.
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