What was the purpose of the Line of Demarcation established by Pope Alexander VI?

The Line of Demarcation, established by Pope Alexander VI in 1493, was intended to resolve disputes between Spain and Portugal over newly claimed territories in the Americas following the Age of Exploration. By drawing a line from the North to the South Pole, the Pope divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe into two zones of influence: one for Spain and one for Portugal.

This division aimed to reduce potential conflicts as both nations sought to expand their empires and trade networks across the newly discovered lands. Spain received the lands to the west of the line, while Portugal was allocated territories to the east. This agreement played a significant role in shaping the exploration and colonization practices of both countries and laid the groundwork for future territorial claims in the New World.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of the Line of Demarcation. While it did have far-reaching effects on trade and settlement patterns, its direct aim was specifically related to the division of newly claimed lands between Spain and Portugal.