The Treaty of Tordesillas, a pivotal agreement in the late 15th century, demarcated newly “discovered” lands outside of Europe between the Portuguese and Spanish Empires. Specifically, it established a north-south line of demarcation in the Atlantic Ocean, granting Spain control over lands west of the line and Portugal control over lands east of the line. This division aimed to resolve conflicts arising from the voyages of exploration spearheaded by Christopher Columbus and other navigators.
This agreement holds significant importance in understanding the colonial history of the Americas. It effectively granted Spain dominance over the majority of the American continents, while allowing Portugal to claim Brazil. The agreement also shaped the linguistic and cultural landscape of the Americas, as Spanish and Portuguese became the dominant languages in their respective regions. Its impact extended beyond the Americas, influencing trade routes and international power dynamics for centuries to come.
