Maritime Empires Established Practice Test

European maritime empires often justified expansion with religious language and legal doctrines. Portuguese and Spanish rulers claimed authority to convert non-Christians and to take possession of lands encountered by their explorers. These claims were reinforced by papal decrees and treaties that divided spheres of influence between Iberian states. Which document or agreement most directly exemplifies this early modern attempt to allocate overseas territories between Spain and Portugal?

In the 1600s, English merchants and the English East India Company expanded from coastal trading posts to increasing political influence in South Asia. Company officials negotiated with local rulers, secured monopolies, and eventually maintained private armies to protect commercial interests. Over time, company power grew beyond trade into territorial control. Which factor most enabled this transition from commerce to empire-building?