Final answer:
The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 recognized the independence of several states, most notably the United Provinces of the Netherlands, and affirmed the status of nations like Sweden and France.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648, is significant for its role in recognizing the sovereignty of numerous states within what was once the Holy Roman Empire. One of the most noteworthy outcomes was the recognition of the independence of the United Provinces of the Netherlands. Before the war, the territories that became the Netherlands were part of the Spanish Empire, and their independence was one of the major changes brought about by the peace treaties. The Westphalian treaties are often cited for initiating the concept of sovereignty and the modern state system, as they allowed for the existence of sovereign states with the ability to govern without interference from other nations.
Additionally, other nations involved in this conflict, such as Sweden and France, emerged with greater influence in European affairs. While not necessarily 'recognized' in the modern sense of international law, Westphalia affirmed their status and territorial gains following the war. However, it's important to understand that many different entities gained recognition of one form or another, establishing the foundation for modern nation-states in western Europe.