What was the significance of the line drawn by the pope across South America?

The line drawn by the pope across South America, known as the Line of Demarcation, was significant because it effectively divided the newly discovered lands between the Spanish and Portuguese empires. This demarcation was established following the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, which sought to resolve disputes over territorial claims in the newly explored regions of the Americas. The line determined which lands would be colonized by Spain and which would belong to Portugal, thereby shaping the geopolitical landscape of South America for centuries to come.

The influence of this division was profound, as it not only dictated colonial expansion and territorial claims but also influenced diplomatic relations between these two powerful nations. The areas west of the line went to Spain, while Portugal was granted rights to the lands to the east. This division created a foundation for the cultural and linguistic differences observed in South America today, as Spanish became the predominant language in most countries, while Portuguese became the language of Brazil.

Understanding this division is crucial because it highlights the European powers' competition for resources and dominance in the New World and illustrates how external powers manipulated indigenous territories and societies in the pursuit of their colonial ambitions.