The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, primarily divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal. This agreement significantly influenced global exploration by establishing exclusive rights to territories, which motivated both empires to expand their exploration efforts. The treaty encouraged Spain to explore the Americas and led Portugal to focus on Africa and Asia. Consequently, it resulted in the expansion of trade networks and colonization, influencing cultural exchanges and leading to conflicts over territorial claims in subsequent centuries. This division laid the foundation for future imperialist ambitions, shaping the geopolitical landscape for years to come.