The most significant outcome of the treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 was the division of the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal. This agreement, ratified by the Pope, established a demarcation line in the Atlantic, granting Spain control over the western territories and Portugal control over the eastern territories. This division set the stage for both nations' colonial expansions and helped prevent conflict over newly explored lands. It also laid the groundwork for the spread of Christianity and European influence in the Americas and Africa.