The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, was significant in global exploration as it divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal along a meridian. This agreement aimed to prevent conflict between the two nations as they explored and colonized the Americas, granting Spain vast territories in the west and Portugal rights to lands in the east, including Brazil. The treaty underscored the era's colonial ambitions and set the stage for European empires' expansion, shaping geopolitical dynamics and cultural exchanges across continents. It reflected the growing importance of maritime exploration and the competition for resources during the Age of Discovery.