PLZ HELP ME Historical Context: Following Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the Western Hemisphere, both Spain and Portugal attempted to claim the land that had not previously belonged to a Catholic nation. As Christopher Columbus had discovered this land for Spain, the Spanish monarchy was angry at Portugal. King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella, of Spain, asked the pope to resolve the dispute. Pope Alexander VI issued the Bull of Demarcation, a document granting Spain permission to claim all non-Christian land located to the west of an imaginary line known as the Line of Demarcation. Portugal was entitled to claim the land to the east of the line. Upon further exploration Portugal appealed the location of the line, which essentially granted them no land to claim in the Western Hemisphere. The line was moved by the pope under the Treaty of Tordesillas, allowing Portugal to claim the land now known as Brazil. Below and on the next two slides is an excerpt from the Demarcation Bull, granting Spain possession of lands discovered by Columbus, 1493.

“Among other works well pleasing to the Divine Majesty and cherished of our heart, this assuredly ranks highest, that in our time especially the Catholic faith and the Christian religion be exalted and be everywhere increased and spread, that the health of souls be cared for and that barbarous nations be overthrown and brought to faith itself.

We have indeed learned that you [Spain], who for a long time had intended to seek out and discover certain islands and mainlands remote and unknown and not hitherto discovered by others, to the end that you might bring to the worship of our Redeemer and the profession of the Catholic faith their residents and inhabitants …you, chose our beloved son, Christopher Columbus… whom you furnished with ships and men equipped for life designs …to make diligent quest for these remote and unknown mainlands and islands through the sea[.]

They …discovered certain very remote island and even mainlands that hitherto had not been discovered by others; wherein dwell very many peoples living in peace, and, as reported, going unclothed, and not eating flesh.

In the island and countries already discovered are found gold, spices, and very many other precious things of diverse kinds and qualities.

Moreover we command you in virtue of holy obedience that, employing all due diligence in the premises …you should appoint to the aforesaid mainlands and islands worthy, God-fearing, learned, skilled, and experienced men, in order to instruct the aforesaid inhabitants and residents in the Catholic faith and train them in good morals.”

A. List three things the author said that you think are important. Explain. own words

B. What evidence in that document helps you know why it was written? Quote from the document.