HISTORY

EUROPEAN RIVALRY & SETTLEMENT

Grounds used by Spain to Legitimize their Control of the New World
As the first arrivals in the Americas the Spaniards were able to colonize major areas, thus
subjugating the indigenous inhabitants. They legitimized their right to these colonies on the
grounds of:
1. Prior Discovery
2. Sanctions of Papal Bull (1493) – The first two papal bulls gave Spain all the lands that
was discovered by Columbus. The third provided for a line of demarcation drawn north to south
100 leagues (3miles) west of the Azores and Cape Verde Islands and stipulated that lands and
seas west of the line should be under Spanish sphere of exploration and influence.
3. The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) between Spain and Portugal effectively changed the
third papal bull. The line of demarcation was further moved 270 leagues west, thereby giving
Portugal the right to Brazil.
Areas Settled by the Spanish in the New World
Spanish settlements could be found on the island of the Great Antilles (Hispaniola, Puerto Rico,
Jamaica, Cuba). The islands of the Lesser Antilles except Trinidad, was left
untouched/unoccupied by Spain. These islands were not seen as valuable.
There were also settlements in Central and South America. In areas such as Mexico, Peru,
Panama, Nicaragua and Honduras. To a lesser degree, areas of North America- Florida, Arizona
and California.

Activities done by the Spanish

- Mining: mainly mainland territories
- Agricultural activities: sugar cane, tobacco, maize and cassava
- Cattle ranching and leather industry