What was established by the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494?

The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, was a significant agreement between Spain and Portugal aimed at resolving conflicts over newly discovered lands in the New World. The treaty established a line of demarcation that divided the territories claimed by the two nations. This line was drawn approximately 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands, granting Spain sovereignty over lands to the west of the line and Portugal ownership of lands to the east.

The importance of this division lies in its impact on colonial expansion and the subsequent history of exploration. It effectively formalized the claims of the two leading maritime powers of the time, shaping the political landscape of the Americas and influencing the patterns of colonization. The treaty was initially brokered by the Pope, who sought to prevent conflict between these two Catholic nations.

Other choices may touch on aspects of the broader context, such as trade or exploration, but they do not accurately capture the specific legal boundary established by the treaty, which solidified Spain and Portugal's overlapping claims in the newly discovered territories. Additionally, the treaty did not include any formal agreements regarding peace with indigenous peoples, as it primarily focused on the interests of Spain and Portugal.