Final answer:
In the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, the independence of Switzerland and the Netherlands was recognized by the signing powers, marking an important milestone in European political history and the concept of nation-state sovereignty.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1648 Peace of Westphalia ending the Thirty Years' War, the signing powers recognized for the first time the independence of Switzerland and the Netherlands. This marked a significant moment in European history, as it established the sovereignty of these entities and signified the end of overarching imperial dominion by the Holy Roman Empire.
The Peace of Westphalia was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the concept of state sovereignty, leading to a new organization of political power in Europe. The recognition of Switzerland's and the Netherlands' independence was a notable outcome of these treaties, allowing them to pursue their destinies as independent nation-states.
It is important to note that the Netherlands had already been engaged in a protracted struggle for independence from Spanish rule, which cumulated in their recognition as a sovereign state at the Peace of Westphalia. Switzerland, although enjoying a de facto autonomous status for years, also received formal acknowledgment of its independence through the peace agreements.