What was the Treaty of Tordesillas and what was the effect on European exploration?

The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two countries along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde islands. The treaty led to Portugal establishing its presence in Brazil and Spain exploring and colonizing areas in the Americas, ultimately shaping the future territorial claims and colonial empires of both countries.