Spain and Portugal were pioneers in global trade during 1450-1750,... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
0
0
Kiki
11/28/2025
AP World History
Spain and Portugal in the time period of 1450-1750
40
•
Nov 28, 2025
•
Spain and Portugal's History: 1450-1750 Overview
Kiki
@kikiwikii
1 / 3
Spanish and Portuguese Empires: Foundations
The year 1494 marked a pivotal moment in world history when Spain and Portugal officially divided the globe between them through the Treaty of Tordesillas. This agreement gave Spain rights to most of the Americas (except Brazil), while Portugal claimed territories across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of the Pacific. The Philippines remained a Spanish territory following the Treaty of Zaragoza in 1529.
These empires were built on sophisticated trade networks that transported valuable commodities across vast distances. The "Spice Islands" of Southeast Asia provided lucrative goods that the Portuguese collected from Timor and Malacca, while Spain gathered resources from Manila. Spanish ships then crossed the Pacific to ports like Acapulco and Veracruz, creating a complex trade system through the Caribbean.
The two empires developed different approaches to expansion. Portugal initially focused on establishing trading networks before turning to full colonization. Their superior navigational skills helped them create what was then the world's largest maritime empire, stretching from South America to the Far East. Meanwhile, Spain discovered established civilizations in the Americas and pursued colonization with dual goals of wealth accumulation and spreading Catholicism.
Did you know? Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama's voyages transformed global trade by establishing a direct sea route to India, allowing Portugal to bypass Arab intermediaries who had previously controlled these valuable trade connections.
Conquests and Territorial Organization
Spain's conquest of the Americas was astonishingly swift and brutal. After Columbus discovered Caribbean islands, Spanish conquistadors quickly moved to the mainland with devastating consequences. Hernán Cortés landed in modern-day Mexico in 1519 with only a few hundred men but managed to topple the mighty Aztec Empire by exploiting local conflicts and forming alliances with groups like the Totonac people who resented Aztec rule.
The Inca Empire faced a similar fate. Spanning nearly 4,000 kilometers along the Andes from Ecuador to northern Chile, this powerful civilization was weakened by internal civil war when the Spanish arrived. This political instability gave Spanish forces the opening they needed to conquer one of the world's largest empires.
To administer their vast new territories, the Spanish created a sophisticated governmental structure. The king's authority was delegated to two main bodies: the Council of the Indies and the Casa de la Contratación (House of Trade). The American territories were divided into two vice-royalties: New Spain (covering Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean) and Peru (covering most of South America).
Important! European diseases like smallpox played a devastating role in the Spanish conquests, killing millions of indigenous people who had no immunity to these previously unknown illnesses.
Trade Networks and Economic Impact
Gold and silver were primary motivations behind the conquest of the New World. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas, they immediately seized precious metals from indigenous peoples, often taking religious artifacts and jewelry. This wealth transfer fundamentally altered the European economy.
Spain established a strict monopoly on trans-Atlantic trade with its colonies. Seville, located 90 kilometers inland on the Guadalquivir River, became the sole authorized port for American trade. This system concentrated enormous wealth but also created vulnerabilities.
To protect merchant ships from pirate attacks, Spain organized convoy systems beginning in the mid-16th century. Two major convoys sailed annually: one to Veracruz in New Spain and another to Cartagena and Nombre de Dios. These heavily guarded fleets transported the riches of the Americas back to Spain.
Perhaps the most ambitious trading route was the Manila Galleon, which crossed the Pacific between the Philippines and America. This incredible sea route connected China, America, and Europe across two oceans, creating the first truly global trading network in history.
Think about it: The Spanish and Portuguese empires created the first global economy. How might today's world be different if these early trade networks had never developed?
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Spain and Portugal's History: 1450-1750 Overview
Kiki
@kikiwikii
Spain and Portugal were pioneers in global trade during 1450-1750, establishing the first worldwide empires through strategic treaties and maritime expertise. They divided newly discovered territories between them, with Spain claiming most of the Americas while Portugal focused on coastal... Show more
Spanish and Portuguese Empires: Foundations
The year 1494 marked a pivotal moment in world history when Spain and Portugal officially divided the globe between them through the Treaty of Tordesillas. This agreement gave Spain rights to most of the Americas (except Brazil), while Portugal claimed territories across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of the Pacific. The Philippines remained a Spanish territory following the Treaty of Zaragoza in 1529.
These empires were built on sophisticated trade networks that transported valuable commodities across vast distances. The "Spice Islands" of Southeast Asia provided lucrative goods that the Portuguese collected from Timor and Malacca, while Spain gathered resources from Manila. Spanish ships then crossed the Pacific to ports like Acapulco and Veracruz, creating a complex trade system through the Caribbean.
The two empires developed different approaches to expansion. Portugal initially focused on establishing trading networks before turning to full colonization. Their superior navigational skills helped them create what was then the world's largest maritime empire, stretching from South America to the Far East. Meanwhile, Spain discovered established civilizations in the Americas and pursued colonization with dual goals of wealth accumulation and spreading Catholicism.
Did you know? Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama's voyages transformed global trade by establishing a direct sea route to India, allowing Portugal to bypass Arab intermediaries who had previously controlled these valuable trade connections.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Conquests and Territorial Organization
Spain's conquest of the Americas was astonishingly swift and brutal. After Columbus discovered Caribbean islands, Spanish conquistadors quickly moved to the mainland with devastating consequences. Hernán Cortés landed in modern-day Mexico in 1519 with only a few hundred men but managed to topple the mighty Aztec Empire by exploiting local conflicts and forming alliances with groups like the Totonac people who resented Aztec rule.
The Inca Empire faced a similar fate. Spanning nearly 4,000 kilometers along the Andes from Ecuador to northern Chile, this powerful civilization was weakened by internal civil war when the Spanish arrived. This political instability gave Spanish forces the opening they needed to conquer one of the world's largest empires.
To administer their vast new territories, the Spanish created a sophisticated governmental structure. The king's authority was delegated to two main bodies: the Council of the Indies and the Casa de la Contratación (House of Trade). The American territories were divided into two vice-royalties: New Spain (covering Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean) and Peru (covering most of South America).
Important! European diseases like smallpox played a devastating role in the Spanish conquests, killing millions of indigenous people who had no immunity to these previously unknown illnesses.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Trade Networks and Economic Impact
Gold and silver were primary motivations behind the conquest of the New World. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas, they immediately seized precious metals from indigenous peoples, often taking religious artifacts and jewelry. This wealth transfer fundamentally altered the European economy.
Spain established a strict monopoly on trans-Atlantic trade with its colonies. Seville, located 90 kilometers inland on the Guadalquivir River, became the sole authorized port for American trade. This system concentrated enormous wealth but also created vulnerabilities.
To protect merchant ships from pirate attacks, Spain organized convoy systems beginning in the mid-16th century. Two major convoys sailed annually: one to Veracruz in New Spain and another to Cartagena and Nombre de Dios. These heavily guarded fleets transported the riches of the Americas back to Spain.
Perhaps the most ambitious trading route was the Manila Galleon, which crossed the Pacific between the Philippines and America. This incredible sea route connected China, America, and Europe across two oceans, creating the first truly global trading network in history.
Think about it: The Spanish and Portuguese empires created the first global economy. How might today's world be different if these early trade networks had never developed?
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user