Alcáçovas Treaty

The Treaty of Alcáçovas, signed in 1479, was an agreement between Portugal and Spain that ended a conflict over territory and influence in the Atlantic and Atlantic-connected regions. It primarily awarded Portugal control over the Azores, Madeira, and the Cape Verde Islands, while Spain gained rights to colonize territories in the Americas south of the equator. The treaty also established the Crown of Castile’s dominance over the Atlantic, reinforcing Spanish claims in the Caribbean. Overall, it helped define the colonial boundaries and sphere of influence of both nations during their early expansion era.