Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)

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The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed on June 7, 1494, was a pivotal agreement between Spain and Portugal, mediated by Pope Alexander VI. It established a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands as the dividing line between Spanish and Portuguese territories in the New World. This treaty was a response to Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas, which had sparked disputes over territorial claims. The agreement granted Spain control over lands west of the line, including much of the Americas, while Portugal claimed lands to the east, including Africa and Asia. The treaty played a significant role in shaping colonial expansion, though its impact was limited by other European powers that did not recognize its authority. Despite this, it spurred both Spain and Portugal to explore and establish colonies in their designated areas. The treaty was later modified and ratified by Pope Julius II in 1506, allowing Portugal to claim Brazil after its discovery in 1500. It remains a crucial document in understanding the historical dynamics of European colonization and the division of the New World.