Why Did Spain Colonize South America and Not Portugal?

Introduction

Have you ever pondered why Brazil is a Portuguese possession from the 19th century, despite the agreements that shaped the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494? This treaty limited the influence areas of the Spanish and Portuguese kingdoms worldwide. While Portugal claimed Brazil, Spain colonized the majority of South America. How did this happen, and what factors contributed to these outcomes?

The Roles of Portugal and Spain

During the early days of colonial expansion, Portugal had a foothold in Brazil, which became one of its major colonial possessions. In contrast, Spain controlled the rest of South America. Spain's colonies in South America included an important foothold in North America, such as from California, Nevada, Nevada, to Texas and Florida. However, the discovery of gold and oil later made those territories even more valuable.

Why did Portugal choose Brazil and not pursue further expansion in South America? One reason was the Treaty of Tordesillas. The treaty demarcated the world between the two kingdoms, with Spain receiving the western territories and Portugal receiving the eastern territories. In 1500, a Portuguese spice fleet inadvertently discovered Brazil, which fell within Portugal's designated sphere of influence, leading to the colonization of the Amazon River basin.

The Case of Other European Powers

The 19th century saw the UK, famous for its North American colonies like the United States and Canada in the temperate climate zones, turning its attention to the Caribbean instead. The UK claimed territories like Jamaica that were both profitable and easier to control, leaving South America largely unexploited by the British.

Portugal's colonization in South America was mainly confined to Brazil, while Britain engaged in multiple wars with Spain but did not gain significant territories in South America. Guyana, however, was colonized by the UK, while the Dutch and French also claimed territories in the northern coast of South America.

Conclusion

Forgotten history, perhaps, but the Treaty of Tordesillas played a pivotal role in shaping the colonial landscape of South America. The differing interests and regional focus of Portugal, Spain, and other European powers led to the distinct colonizations we see today. Understanding these historical events can provide valuable insights into the current geopolitical landscape of South America.

References:

Quora Discussions Wikipedia: Treaty of Tordesillas Historical Records and Accounts of European Explorations and Colonial Practices