Peace of Westphalia (1648)

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The Peace of Westphalia, signed in 1648, was a pivotal series of treaties that concluded the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War. Negotiated in Münster and Osnabrück, these treaties marked a significant shift in European politics by establishing the concept of sovereignty. This principle recognized each state's authority over its territory and internal affairs, excluding external interference. The treaties also acknowledged religious freedom, allowing Christians of non-dominant denominations to practice their faith[1][3]. The Peace of Westphalia laid the groundwork for modern international relations by introducing diplomacy and mediation as key tools for resolving conflicts. It recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic and Switzerland, and reconfigured the balance of power in Europe, with France and Sweden emerging as significant forces. The treaty's legacy includes the development of international law and the concept of non-interference in sovereign states' domestic affairs, which remains central to global politics today[2][4].