Who Signed the Treaty of Madrid in 1670?

By Anna Duncan

The Treaty of Madrid, signed in 1670, was a significant event in European history. It played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the time and had far-reaching consequences for the nations involved. But who were the signatories to this treaty?

The Parties Involved

The Treaty of Madrid was signed between two major European powers: Spain and Portugal. At the time, both countries had extensive colonial empires and were engaged in fierce competition for territories and resources around the world.

Spain

Spain was one of the foremost global powers at the time, with a vast empire that included territories in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The Spanish crown was ruled by King Charles II at the time of the treaty signing.

Portugal

Portugal was also a major colonial power, with territories throughout Asia, Africa, and South America. The Portuguese crown was ruled by King Afonso VI when the treaty was signed.

The Treaty Itself

The Treaty of Madrid was designed to settle long-standing disputes between Spain and Portugal over their respective colonies in South America. The main issue at stake was control over what is now modern-day Uruguay.

The Background

Spain had claimed ownership of Uruguay based on its discovery by Spanish explorer Juan Díaz de Solís in 1516. However, Portugal disputed this claim, arguing that it had been granted ownership of all lands to the east of a certain line (known as the “Tordesillas line”) by Pope Alexander VI in 1494.

The dispute escalated over time as both countries attempted to establish colonies in Uruguay. In 1640, Portugal even established a settlement there which it called Colonia del Sacramento.

The Negotiations

In 1668, Spain and Portugal agreed to hold negotiations aimed at resolving their differences over Uruguay. These negotiations were held in Madrid and lasted for two years.

The treaty that eventually emerged from these negotiations was signed on November 13, 1670. It established a new border between Spanish and Portuguese territories in South America, with Uruguay being divided roughly in half between the two nations.

The Signatories

The Treaty of Madrid was signed by representatives of both Spain and Portugal. The Spanish delegation was led by Francisco de Benavides, while the Portuguese delegation was led by António Luís de Meneses, Count of Cantanhede.

Conclusion

The Treaty of Madrid may have been a small event in the grand scheme of things, but it had significant implications for both Spain and Portugal. It helped to establish clear borders between their respective colonies in South America and contributed to a period of relative stability between the two nations.

By understanding who signed this treaty and why, we can gain valuable insight into the complex dynamics of European colonialism in the seventeenth century.