Examine the impact of the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) in reducing political conflicts in Europe.

The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between the Treaty of Tordesillas and political conflicts in Europe. Candidates may state that the Treaty of Tordesillas divided the newly discovered lands into distinct spheres of influence for each kingdom, enabling a clear partition. Candidates may also point out that the treaty helped to amend a series of Papal bulls that dissatisfied Portugal, thus improving its position and reducing conflict with Spain. However, candidates may argue that since the exploration continued the Treaty of Tordesillas had limited effect. Candidates may also refer to the fact that other European powers did not accept the treaty and pursued their own voyages of exploration and conquest, causing new disagreements. Candidates may also state that the Treaty of Tordesillas was not enough to stop the conflicts since new treaties, like the Treaty of Saragossa (1529), were needed. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the interrelationship between the impact of the Treaty of Tordesillas and reducing political conflicts in Europe.