Peace of Westphalia ends conflict from "summary" of The Reformation by Diarmaid MacCulloch
The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 has been described as a watershed moment in European history, marking the end of decades of brutal conflict. It brought an official end to the Thirty Years War, one of the most destructive conflicts in European history, and also resolved other related conflicts that had been simmering for years. The treaty signed in Westphalia not only brought peace to the region but also established new principles of international diplomacy that would shape European politics for centuries to come. One of the key aspects of the Peace of Westphalia was the recognition of the sovereignty of individual states. This principle meant that each state had the right to govern itself without interference from external powers. This idea was a departure from the previous notion of universal authority, such as that claimed by the Catholic Church or the Holy Roman Empire. By recognizing the sovereignty of individual states, the Peace of Westphalia helped to create a more stable and peaceful international order. Another important aspect of the Peace of Westphalia was the concept of religious tolerance. The treaty recognized the right of each state to determine its own religious practices, a radical departure from the religious wars that had torn Europe apart in the preceding decades. This principle of religious tolerance helped to bring an end to the religious conflicts that had been a major driver of the Thirty Years War and other conflicts in Europe. In addition to establishing principles of sovereignty and religious tolerance, the Peace of Westphalia also laid the groundwork for a new system of international diplomacy. The treaty established the idea of a balance of power, whereby states would work together to prevent any one power from becoming too dominant. This idea of a balance of power would play a crucial role in shaping European politics in the centuries that followed, as states sought to maintain stability and prevent the outbreak of major conflicts.- The Peace of Westphalia was a pivotal moment in European history, bringing an end to decades of brutal conflict and laying the groundwork for a new system of international relations. By recognizing the sovereignty of individual states, promoting religious tolerance, and establishing the principle of a balance of power, the treaty signed in Westphalia helped to create a more stable and peaceful Europe.
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