7. The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)
Fierce maritime rivals, Spain and Portugal stunned Europe by signing the Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided newly discovered lands outside the continent. Brokered by the Pope, this unprecedented pact sought to prevent conflict as both powers raced to explore and colonize the world. The treaty drew an imaginary line across the globe, profoundly shaping the map of the Americas and beyond. It established a colonial order that would influence international relations for centuries.
