What was the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494?

The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, was significant because it established a demarcation line between Spanish and Portuguese territories in the newly discovered lands of the Americas and beyond. By drawing this line, the treaty aimed to resolve the disputes that had arisen between Spain and Portugal over their claims to territories following Christopher Columbus's voyages. This agreement essentially granted Spain rights to explore and colonize lands to the west of the line, while Portugal received rights to the east. As a result, this division had profound implications for the subsequent patterns of colonization, trade, and the global balance of power during the Age of Exploration. The treaty is a pivotal moment in history, as it laid the groundwork for the colonial empires that would shape the Americas and global relations in the following centuries.