The Peace of Westphalia

The Peace of Westphalia, signed in 1648, was a series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe. It marked a turning point by recognizing the sovereignty of individual states, meaning each country could govern itself without external interference. This established a system where borders and political authority became more stable and recognized internationally. The treaties laid the foundation for the modern nation-state system and emphasized the importance of diplomacy and negotiations in resolving conflicts. Overall, Westphalia helped create a more balanced and predictable international order, shaping the structure of global politics we see today.