Peace of Westphalia

About

The Peace of Westphalia, signed in October 1648, was a pivotal event in European history. It consisted of two treaties, the Treaty of Münster and the Treaty of Osnabrück, which brought an end to the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War. This peace settlement involved numerous European powers, including the Holy Roman Empire, France, Sweden, and the Dutch Republic. It marked a significant shift towards modern international relations by establishing the principle of sovereignty, where states recognized each other's authority over their territories and domestic affairs. The Peace of Westphalia laid the groundwork for the modern nation-state system. It recognized the independence of Switzerland and the Dutch Republic, expanded territories for France and Sweden, and clarified the sovereignty of German princes. The treaties also promoted religious tolerance by protecting Calvinism and allowing subjects to practice their faith freely. This period marked the beginning of diplomacy as a primary tool for resolving conflicts, replacing war as the dominant means of interaction between states. The principles established at Westphalia continue to influence international law and relations today.