Interesting facts about The Treaty of Westphalia

June 13, 2012 | In: History facts

Also knows as The Peace of Westphalia, the Treaty isn’t a single one, but rather a bunch of treaties, gathered up in one. These treaties were implemented in order to end what was called The Thirty Years War of the Holy Roman Empire, along with the Eighty Years’ War which was fought between Spain and the Dutch Republic. The Treaty of Westphalia has been implemented in 1648, though because the Treaty of Westphalia actually refers to multiple treaties it was implemented over the course of several months from May to October.

As I said, the treaty gathered more treaties in one. There were initially 3 treaties, on of which the leaders of the time signed in Osnabruck, and the other in Munster.

Together, these treaties make up the overall Treaty of Westphalia, which concerned the disposition of the Holy Roman Emperor along with the entrire Empire, but also other European states like Sweden, France, the Dutch Republic, Spain, and all allies of them.
Many important things, besides the regaining of peace were accomplished, and here are a few of them:
Terms of forced emigration were eased;
Calvinism was recognized;

Rulers could allow full toleration, at their discretion.

Finally, religious questions could no longer be decided by a majority of the imperial estates.

Future disputes were to be resolved by a compromise between the confessions. The era of religious warfare was over, and a general attempt had been made toward religious toleration.

The Treaty of Westphalia is considered very important in the history of international treaties. It is considered to have been the first instance of an international diplomatic assembly in the modern world.

The Treaty of Westphalia thus stands out as a landmark in European history.