The Papal Bulls Dividing the Americas between Spain and Portugal: A Reappraisal

What is it about?

In the 15th century, the pope issued several bulls authorizing Portugal and Spain to colonize West Africa and the Americas. These bulls exceeded papal authority, as the pope's claim to exercise spiritual and temporal jurisdiction over infidels and new-found lands was not generally accepted. France and England, in particular, rejected these claims and proceeded to embark on their own colonizing ventures in the Americas.

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