Final answer:
Portugal initiated the era of Atlantic exploration and established the first colonies in the Americas, influenced by the maritime endeavors of Prince Henry the Navigator. The Treaty of Tordesillas between Portugal and Spain allocated the zones of influence, leading to Spain colonizing the Philippines and the creation of the Portuguese colony in Brazil.
Step-by-step explanation:
The European age of exploration was initiated by Portugal, which led to significant maritime expansion and the establishment of colonies. The competition between Portugal and Spain was addressed with the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, which divided the non-European world into two zones of influence between these two nations. Also of significant note is Columbus's first voyage to the New World in 1492, marking the start of an extensive period of exploration and colonization by European powers, with Spain and Portugal at the forefront.
Portugal established the first colonies in the Americas. The Treaty of Tordesillas not only led to Spain's colonization ventures in the Philippines but also to Brazil becoming a Portuguese colony. Despite Columbus intending to reach Asia, his voyages led to the 'New World', which kickstarted Spanish exploration and colonization.
Responding to the actions and agreements of Portugal and Spain, such as the Treaty of Tordesillas, other European nations initially did not receive any territory from the Pope's allocation, which eventually contributed to tensions and rivalries. Portugal's advanced maritime capability also partly originated from Prince Henry the Navigator's efforts to explore and control African coastal territories in the 1430s and 1440s.