What was the Peace of Westphalia, 1648?
The Peace of Westphalia was the final product of the negotiations marking an end to the 30 Years War, taking place at a meeting in Westphalia, Germany. It established the norm of sovereign state as the instrument of control and negotiation, rather than religious sects. Religious freedom was recognized, and future wars were fought for political, rather than religious motives. The central authority was held as the nation state, bringing in a new era of nationalism and state centered politics. The concept of international relations was born with the instituting of treaties and negotiations as vehicles of international communication.
