1479

The Treaty of Alcáçovas, signed in 1479, was a pivotal agreement in the history of the Canary Islands during the conquest period. This treaty ended the Castilian Succession War and established a division of spheres of influence between the kingdoms of Castile and Portugal. In the context of Atlantic expansion, the treaty recognized Castilian sovereignty over the Canary Islands, while Portugal gained control over Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde, as well as rights over the African coast. This agreement was crucial for the consolidation of Castilian rule in the Canary Islands, facilitating their subsequent conquest and colonization. The Portuguese acceptance of Castilian sovereignty over the Canary Islands allowed Castile to focus on unifying its territories and expanding towards the Americas. This treaty marked a milestone in European expansion policy, influencing the geopolitical configuration of the Atlantic.