Age of Exploration: European Maritime Expansion and Colonization
Consequences of Expansion
The maritime expansion between Spain and Portugal sparked rivalries over newly discovered territories. The Pope, with his authority, played a crucial role in mediating these disputes.
The first dispute arose when Portugal claimed exclusive rights to African territories beyond Cape Bojador. Castile opposed this, but Pope Nicholas V confirmed Portugal’s claim in the 1455 papal bull Romanus Pontifex.
The 1479 Treaty of Alcáçovas-Toledo saw Portugal relinquish its claim to the
Read MoreIndustrial Decline and Transformation in Spain’s Regions
Industrial Decline in Developed Areas
Asturias
Industrialization in Asturias began in the late 19th century, focusing on coal and metallurgy. In 2000, Asturias ranked second in Spain for metal processing and smelting, surpassing even the food sub-sector. The industry was dominated by large state-owned companies like HUNOSA and ENSIDESA, primarily located in the central area around Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés, Mieres, and Langreo. This central area, with its modern transport network, including the ports
Read MoreGeography and Demography Glossary
Geography Glossary
Physical Geography
Landforms
Height: Vertical distance from a reference level. Spanish topographic maps reference the average Mediterranean level in Alicante.
Archipelago: Group of islands clustered in a sea or ocean.
Bay: Coastal inlet formed by erosion, larger than coves but smaller than gulfs.
Cordillera: Extensive mountain range formed by orogeny.
Delta: Landform at a river’s mouth created by sediment accumulation.
Sedimentary Basin/Depression: Area below sea level, surrounded by
Read MoreSpanish Demography and Urban Systems
1. Population Growth and Distribution
1.1. A Historical Process
From the 18th century, Spain experienced a growth phase continuing to this day. This growth, slow in the 18th century, became significant in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly between 1830 and 1960, mainly due to a high birth rate and a decline in mortality, especially from epidemics. This growth occurred mainly in coastal areas. In the 16th century, half the population lived on the plateau, but from the 17th century onward, the
Read MoreGovernment and Institutions of the Canary Islands
Regional Institutions of the Canary Islands
Parliament
The Canary Islands Parliament is the representative body of the people and is composed of 70 regional deputies elected by universal suffrage.
Its main functions include:
- Choosing the Prime Minister from among its members
- Approving annual budgets
- Exercising economic control
- Overseeing the political actions of the Government
- Presenting bills
Government
The Government of the Canary Islands emerged from the Parliament and holds the executive and administrative
Read MoreEconomy and Society in the Modern Era (16th Century)
Consequences of Exploration
The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)
On June 7, 1494, Castile and Portugal met in Tordesillas to divide the world between them, signing a treaty. The treaty was unfair, and at the time, they were unaware of the Americas, mistakenly believing they were in India. Consequently, Portugal gained only Brazil, while Spain claimed the rest of the Americas.
Maritime Trade and Commerce
The voyages of discovery led to a substantial increase in international maritime trade and commerce.
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