What is the "Line of Demarcation"?

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The "Line of Demarcation" refers to an imaginary line that was established by the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494. This treaty was signed between Spain and Portugal during the age of exploration, when both countries were seeking to expand their overseas territories.

The Line of Demarcation was drawn from north to south, dividing the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal. The purpose of this division was to prevent conflicts between the two powers as they explored and colonized new territories.

To find out more about the Line of Demarcation, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by researching the Treaty of Tordesillas, as this is the treaty that established the Line of Demarcation.
2. Look for historical sources, such as books or academic articles, that provide detailed information about the treaty and its significance.
3. Study maps and visual representations of the Line of Demarcation to understand its exact location and how it divided the discovered lands.
4. Read about the historical context of the age of exploration, including the motivations and actions of Spain and Portugal during this period.

By following these steps, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of what the Line of Demarcation is and why it was significant in shaping the history of European colonialism.