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The Peace of Westphalia
The Peace of Westphalia (1648) marked the turning point of diplomatic relations in early modern Europe. The horrifically gruesome Thirty Years War (1618-1648) left the continent in shambles--with immense losses on both sides. The significance of this treaty was that it was the first treaty to effectively include a multitude of states, put an end to large scale religious wars, and forge a territory settlement that all signatories would follow. -
The Peace of Utrecht
The Peace of Utrecht, a treaty signed between the years 1713-1715, established the first official recognition of a mandated balance of power in Europe. The War of the Spanish Succession demonstrated the volatility of empires and the importance of any one kingdom not becoming too powerful. This treaty was incredibly significant because it created a check and balance that would prevent mass domination by any one state, and also because it effectively ended the reign of the Spanish empire. -
Final Act of the Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna, a mass meeting of thousands of diplomats in the capital of Austria, was the result of an increase in Conservative ideology, following the perceived chaos caused by Liberalism. The Final Act, the last portion of the treatises, would effectively mandate the intervention of varying countries in other states affairs if said country could not quell its rebellions. In general, it led to a strict approach to governing and served as the foundation for modern day interventionism. -
The Treaty of Maastricht
The Treaty of Maastricht was the document that gave way to the establishment of the European Union. In 1992, following the chaos of the 20th century, 27 countries signed to be included in a union of nations with the focus on fostering international security and prosperity. The significance of this document cannot be overstated; it is the foundation of the past 30 years of European history and represents the progress made since 1648.