The Treaty of Tordesillas was signed on June 7, 1494, between Spain and Portugal. It divided the newly discovered territories in the Americas, Asia, and Africa between the two countries. The treaty was signed in the Spanish town of Tordesillas, which is why it is called the Treaty of Tordesillas.
The Treaty of Tordesillas is an important event in world history, and it is relevant even today. Therefore, it is crucial to teach students about this treaty and its importance. One approach to teaching students about the Treaty of Tordesillas is through the use of maps.
Maps are a powerful tool for understanding the Treaty of Tordesillas because the treaty divided the world into two spheres of influence. The map of the Treaty of Tordesillas shows how the world was divided between Spain and Portugal. With maps, students can get an understanding of the geographic area covered in the treaty.
Teachers can begin by showing students a map of the world before the discovery of the Americas. Then, teachers can introduce the discovery of the Americas, and how it led to the Treaty of Tordesillas. Teachers can show students how Spain and Portugal divided the world between themselves, with Spain receiving most of the Americas, and Portugal receiving most of Africa and Asia.
Teachers can also use maps to teach students about the consequences of the Treaty of Tordesillas. Students can learn about how Spain and Portugal exploited their colonies, how they extracted resources, and how they controlled their colonies. Teachers can use the maps to show students how the treaty became the foundation for colonialism, and how it shaped the world today.
In addition to mapping, teachers can use other resources to teach the treaty of Tordesillas. Teachers can use primary sources, such as letters and documents from the time period. They can also use secondary sources, such as books and articles. By using various resources, teachers can give students a comprehensive understanding of the treaty and its impact.
In conclusion, teaching students about the Treaty of Tordesillas is crucial for understanding world history. Using maps as a teaching tool can provide students with visual representations of the treaty, and help them understand its significance. Teachers can also use various resources to give students a comprehensive understanding of the treaty. By teaching students about this treaty, we can better understand how the world was shaped and how we can shape the future.
