What was the line of demarcation?

The Line of Demarcation refers to an imaginary line established by the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494. This treaty was negotiated between Spain and Portugal and aimed to resolve conflicts over newly discovered lands during the Age of Exploration.

The Line of Demarcation was drawn north to south through the Atlantic Ocean, dividing the newly explored territories outside of Europe into two zones. Spain was granted rights to the west of the line, and Portugal was granted rights to the east. The exact longitude of the line was not precisely defined, leading to some disputes.

This division was an attempt to prevent conflicts between Spain and Portugal over newly discovered lands, particularly in the Americas. The treaty and the Line of Demarcation played a significant role in shaping the territorial claims of the two major European maritime powers during the Age of Exploration. It also contributed to the subsequent era of colonialism and the establishment of European empires in the Americas and other parts of the world.