The Peace of Westphalia, signed in 1648, marked the end of the Thirty Years' War and laid the foundations for modern Europe. The treaty established the principle of territorial sovereignty, which gave each nation-state the right to govern its own territory without interference from other nations. This principle helped to bring an end to the religious and political conflicts that had plagued Europe for centuries.
The Peace of Westphalia also introduced the concept of the balance of power, which emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance of power among the European nations. This principle helped to prevent any single nation from becoming too powerful and dominating the others, thereby reducing the likelihood of future wars.
In addition, the treaty recognized the rights of Protestants and Catholics to practice their respective religions, which helped to reduce religious tensions in Europe. It also established the principle of diplomatic immunity, which gave diplomats the right to travel and work without fear of arrest or persecution.
Overall, the Peace of Westphalia was a significant turning point in European history. It helped to establish the modern nation-state system, which has been the basis of European politics ever since. It also paved the way for the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, individualism, and the importance of human rights, and helped to shape the modern world.