Treaty of Alcáçovas

The Treaty of Alcáçovas, signed in 1479, was an agreement between Portugal and Spain that ended a series of conflicts over newly discovered territories. It mainly established Spanish dominance over most of the Americas and Africa, while Portugal gained control of the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, and recognized Portuguese rights to colonize parts of Africa and Brazil. The treaty also confirmed Castile's (Spain’s) claim to the now-united Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon and prevented Portugal from establishing colonies in the Atlantic near Spain's territories. This treaty was an important step in shaping the colonial boundaries and influence of both nations.