The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement signed between Spain and Portugal in 1494.

It was created to resolve conflicts over newly discovered lands following Columbus's voyages.

The treaty was negotiated with the mediation of Pope Alexander VI.

It divided the newly discovered world outside of Europe into two exclusive spheres of influence.

An imaginary line, the line of demarcation, was drawn down the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Spain was given the exclusive right to claim and explore all lands to the west of the line.

Portugal was given the exclusive right to all lands to the east of the line.

The line was drawn far enough west that it granted Portugal the claim to the eastern tip of South America, which is why Brazil became a Portuguese colony.

Other European nations, such as England, France, and the Netherlands, did not recognize the treaty and ignored its terms.

The treaty is a significant example of European powers attempting to claim and divide the rest of the world.