Lesson on Treaty of Tordesillas

(Analyzing a Primary Source Document)

Essential Question-

How did the Treaty of Tordesillas peacefully divide the Americas between Spain
and Portugal?

Read and analyze the original translated text of the Treaty of Tordesillas (attached).

Create thesis statements that can be proven using the Treaty of Tordesillas

Download map of Treaty of Tordesillas (link below)

http://www.gilderlehrman.org/sites/default/files/inline-
pdfs/The%20Treaty%20of%20Tordesillas_Map.pdf

Read excerpts from the Treaty of Tordesillas and answer brief questions to help
them analyze the document.
What do you think the two Lines of Demarcation separate?
How were they decided upon?
Why do you think the line on right was established after the two lines to the left?

*Write answers in a word doc.

-Come up with a thesis statement about the Treaty of Tordesillas

Create one illustrated outline that proves the thesis statement.

Purpose of Lesson:

Student will come up with more descriptive name for the Treaty of Tordesillas, one that
would give future students more of an understanding of what the Treaty does.