The Treaty of Tordesillas was signed, dividing the world between Spain and Portugal.

The Treaty of Tordesillas marked a significant moment for Spain's colonial ambitions. Signed in 1494, this agreement divided the newly discovered lands of the New World between Spain and Portugal. Negotiated by Pope Alexander VI, the treaty aimed to prevent conflicts between the two Catholic powers over their expanding empires. The line of demarcation was drawn 370 leagues west of Cape Verde, granting Spain control over any territories west of the line, while Portugal gained rights to those east of it. This decision had far-reaching consequences, as Spain went on to claim vast territories in the Americas, including present-day Mexico, Peru, and parts of the United States. Meanwhile, Portugal established its dominance in areas such as Brazil and parts of Africa and Asia. The Treaty of Tordesillas ultimately shaped the course of Spanish and Portuguese colonialism, laying the groundwork for their vast overseas empires. #TreatyofTordesillas #Spain #Colonialism #NewWorld #Empires