The purpose of the Treaty of Tordesillas, signed on June 7, 1494, was to divide the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Portugal and Spain and to resolve conflicts between both countries regarding their territorial claims. The treaty aimed to prevent potential clashes and establish a clear separation of influence and colonization in the New World. It effectively divided the world outside of Europe into two hemispheres: the eastern part (including Africa and India) was reserved for Portugal, while the western part (including the Americas) was assigned to Spain. This treaty enabled Spain and Portugal to embark on their respective colonial empires.
