The borders of South America were primarily established through a combination of colonial divisions, treaties, and territorial disputes between the European powers that colonized the continent. These processes involved negotiations, conflicts, and diplomatic agreements among countries, shaping the current geopolitical boundaries.
Read on for more information
The borders of South America were intricately shaped by a complex history of colonial divisions, treaties, territorial disputes, negotiations, conflicts, and diplomatic agreements among the European powers that colonized the continent. This process not only defined the geopolitical boundaries but also influenced the cultural and linguistic diversity that characterizes South America today.
One significant factor in the creation of South American borders was the era of European colonialism. The continent was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, but it was during the Age of Discovery that European powers began to assert their control over the region. Spain and Portugal were the main colonizers, with Spain focusing primarily on the western part of South America, and Portugal establishing its dominance in the eastern part, including present-day Brazil.
The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494 between Spain and Portugal, was a pivotal agreement that played a role in defining the borders of South America. It drew a dividing line through the Atlantic Ocean, granting Spain control over the territories to the west and Portugal control over the territories to the east. However, the precise demarcation of the border was subject to interpretation, leading to territorial disputes and negotiations between the two colonial powers.
Throughout the colonial era, European powers vied for control over various regions of South America, resulting in contested borders. For example, the Spanish and Portuguese clashed over the territory of Uruguay, leading to the establishment of the border through the Treaty of Madrid in 1750. Similarly, the British and Spanish engaged in conflicts over regions such as the Falkland Islands, which were eventually ceded to the British through the Treaty of Utrecht in 1712.
The process of establishing borders in South America involved not only European powers but also the newly independent nations that emerged during the 19th century. As these countries sought to define their territorial boundaries, negotiations and diplomatic agreements were crucial. One notable example is the Gran Colombia, a short-lived federation comprising present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, which dissolved in 1831. Its dissolution led to the formation of distinct nations with their own borders.
In the words of Simon Bolivar, a prominent figure in the South American independence movement, “It is easier to create borders than to erase them.” This quote highlights the challenge of defining borders in a region with complex historical, cultural, and political dynamics. South America’s borders continue to evolve, with occasional border disputes and territorial claims.
Interesting Facts:
- The Treaty of Tordesillas not only divided South America between Spain and Portugal but also led to the creation of Brazil as a Portuguese colony.
- Borders in South America were not always determined by natural geographic features such as rivers or mountains but were often defined arbitrarily through negotiations.
- The Amazon Rainforest, spanning across several South American countries, is a region with challenging borders. It is renowned for its biodiversity and is home to indigenous communities with unique cultural practices.
Border Conflicts and Resolutions in South America:
| Border Conflict | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Peru-Ecuador (1941) | Rio Protocol (1942) |
| Colombia-Venezuela | Treaty of Santa Marta (1832) |
| Falkland Islands | Treaty of Utrecht (1713) |
| Bolivia-Chile | Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1904) |
| Argentina-Chile | Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1984) |
Table: Some examples of border conflicts and their resolutions in South America. (Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.)
In conclusion, the borders of South America were shaped by a combination of colonial divisions, treaties, territorial disputes, negotiations, and diplomatic agreements among the European powers that colonized the continent. The complex historical process involved intricate negotiations and conflicts, resulting in the current geopolitical boundaries. As Simon Bolivar emphasized, borders are not easily erased, reflecting the lasting impact of these historical events on South America’s territorial landscape.
A visual response to the word “How were the borders of South America created?”
In this section of the video, the host delves into the unique aspects of several South American countries. These include Argentina, known for its passionate people and Italian influence; Bolivia, recognized for its indigenous population and diverse landscapes; Brazil, the largest country in South America with a strong sense of national identity; Chile, characterized by its distinct accent and frequent earthquakes; Colombia, with a complex relationship similar to Venezuela; Ecuador, described as a chill and nerdy country with a focus on education; Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, seen as quiet kids with cultural traits like driving on the left side of the road and large Indian populations. The host also touches on Paraguay’s rustic culture, Peru’s successful tourism industry, Venezuela’s diverse landscape and European background, and encourages people to explore the vibrant nature, good people, and delicious food throughout South America.
See what else I discovered
South America’s geologic structure consists of two dissymmetric parts. In the larger, eastern portion are found a number of stable shields forming highland regions, separated by large basins (including the vast Amazon basin). The western portion is occupied almost entirely by the Andes Mountains.
You will probably be interested in these topics as well
Regarding this, How were South American borders formed? In reply to that: The treaty established an imaginary line along a north–south meridian 370 leagues west of Cape Verde Islands, roughly 46° 37′ W. In terms of the treaty, all land to the west of the line (which is now known to include most of the South American soil), would belong to Spain, and all land to the east, to Portugal.
Similar
Also question is, Who decided the South American borders?
Answer: The Treaty of Tordesilles was signed by the Spanish and Portuguese crowns in 1494 and divided the continent between them – roughly along the current borders of Brazil.
Accordingly, What are the boundaries of South America explain? Response will be: South America is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the northwest and north, the Atlantic Ocean to the northeast, east, and southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. In the northwest it is joined to North America by the Isthmus of Panama, a land bridge narrowing to about 50 miles (80 km) at one point.
Similar
Similarly one may ask, How did they divide South America?
Response will be: Spain and Portugal divided the New World by drawing a north-to-south line of demarcation in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 leagues (555 kilometers or 345 miles) west of the Cape Verde Islands, off the coast of northwestern Africa and then controlled by Portugal.
How did South America become connected to North America? Geological evidence suggests that approximately 3 million years ago, South America became connected to North America when the Bolivar Trough marine barrier disappeared and the Panamanian land bridge formed. The joining of these two land masses led to the Great American Interchange, in which biota from both continents expanded their ranges.
What is South America bounded by? The answer is: South America is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the northwest and north, the Atlantic Ocean to the northeast, east, and southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. In the northwest it is joined to North America by the Isthmus of Panama, a land bridge narrowing to about 50 miles (80 km) at one point.
In this manner, What is the shape of South America? Answer to this: The continent is compact and roughly triangular in shape, being broad in the north and tapering to a point— Cape Horn, Chile—in the south. South America is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the northwest and north, the Atlantic Ocean to the northeast, east, and southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Who created the map of South America? Response: Map of South America. (1750) Geograph: Robert de Vaugondy. The terminator is visible in this panoramic view across central South America. The geography of South America contains many diverse regions and climates.