In what year was the Treaty of Tordesillas signed, which divided the Americas between Spain and Portugal?

The Treaty of Tordesillas was signed in 1494 and is significant for its role in dividing newly discovered lands in the Americas between Spain and Portugal. This agreement was facilitated by the Pope to prevent conflict over colonial claims, allowing Spain to claim territories to the west of a designated meridian, while Portugal had rights to the lands to the east. This treaty effectively shaped the colonial empires of both nations and had lasting impacts on the development of South America and the surrounding regions. The year 1494 marks a crucial moment in the Age of Exploration, delineating spheres of influence that guided European powers in their quest for exploration and colonization. Understanding the timeline of this event helps grasp the geopolitical dynamics of the period.