APEURO: Unit 2, Age of Reformation - The Peace of Westphalia, 1648, and Its Effects

Why This Matters

The Peace of Westphalia (1648) is a pivotal event in world history, marking the end of the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War. This treaty not only brought an end to the devastating conflicts in Europe but also established the principle of state sovereignty, where nations have supreme authority within their borders. This concept, known as the Westphalian system, has had a lasting impact on international relations, shaping the modern nation-state system and influencing the development of international law. As an AP theme, this topic connects to "Politics and Power," as it highlights the struggle for authority and the emergence of new forms of governance in early modern Europe.

Key Events & People

• Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): A devastating conflict involving many European states, including the Holy Roman Empire, Sweden, France, and Spain.
• Peace of Westphalia (1648): A treaty signed by the Holy Roman Empire, Sweden, France, and Spain, establishing the principle of state sovereignty and ending the Thirty Years' War.
• Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642): French statesman who played a crucial role in the Thirty Years' War, advocating for French intervention and the establishment of a strong centralized government.
• Gustavus Adolphus (1594-1632): King of Sweden who intervened in the Thirty Years' War, introducing new military tactics and strategies that influenced the course of the conflict.
• John Calvin (1509-1564): French theologian who played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation, influencing the development of Calvinism and the Thirty Years' War.
• Philip IV of Spain (1605-1665): King of Spain who played a key role in the Thirty Years' War, seeking to maintain Spanish dominance in Europe.
• Treaty of Münster (1648): A treaty signed by the Holy Roman Empire, Sweden, France, and Spain, establishing the principle of state sovereignty and ending the Eighty Years' War.
• Treaty of Osnabrück (1648): A treaty signed by the Holy Roman Empire, Sweden, France, and Spain, establishing the principle of state sovereignty and ending the Thirty Years' War.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Protestant Reformation, led by figures like John Calvin, challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the Thirty Years' War.
• Effect: The Thirty Years' War resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and a significant shift in the balance of power in Europe.
• Long-term consequence: The Peace of Westphalia established the principle of state sovereignty, leading to the emergence of modern nation-states and the development of international law.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Westphalian system*: A system of international relations based on the principle of state sovereignty, where nations have supreme authority within their borders.
• *Sovereignty*: The supreme authority of a nation-state within its borders.
• *Calvinism*: A Protestant theological movement that emerged during the Reformation, emphasizing the authority of the Bible and the role of individual interpretation.
• *Absolutism*: A system of government where the monarch holds absolute power and authority.
• *Treaty of Münster*: A treaty signed by the Holy Roman Empire, Sweden, France, and Spain, establishing the principle of state sovereignty and ending the Eighty Years' War.
• *Treaty of Osnabrück*: A treaty signed by the Holy Roman Empire, Sweden, France, and Spain, establishing the principle of state sovereignty and ending the Thirty Years' War.
• *Cardinal Richelieu*: French statesman who played a crucial role in the Thirty Years' War, advocating for French intervention and the establishment of a strong centralized government.
• *Gustavus Adolphus*: King of Sweden who intervened in the Thirty Years' War, introducing new military tactics and strategies that influenced the course of the conflict.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648, but the Thirty Years' War began in 1618.
• Correction: The Thirty Years' War began in 1618, and the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648, ending the conflict.
• What students often get wrong: The Treaty of Münster and the Treaty of Osnabrück were signed in the same year, 1648.
• Correction: The Treaty of Münster and the Treaty of Osnabrück were signed in the same year, 1648, but they addressed different conflicts: the Eighty Years' War and the Thirty Years' War, respectively.
• What students often get wrong: Cardinal Richelieu was a key figure in the Peace of Westphalia.
• Correction: Cardinal Richelieu played a crucial role in the Thirty Years' War, but he died in 1642, before the Peace of Westphalia was signed.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the Peace of Westphalia in shaping the modern nation-state system. Be sure to include specific examples from the Thirty Years' War and the Treaty of Münster.
  • Evidence: The Treaty of Münster (1648), the Treaty of Osnabrück (1648), the role of Cardinal Richelieu in the Thirty Years' War.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of the Protestant Reformation on the Thirty Years' War and the Peace of Westphalia. Be sure to include specific examples from the Reformation and the conflict.
  • Evidence: The role of John Calvin in the Reformation, the Thirty Years' War, the Treaty of Münster (1648).
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the significance of the Peace of Westphalia in the development of international law. Be sure to include specific examples from the treaty and its impact on modern international relations.
  • Evidence: The Treaty of Münster (1648), the Treaty of Osnabrück (1648), the role of the Westphalian system in modern international relations.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main outcome of the Peace of Westphalia?
   • Correct answer: The establishment of the principle of state sovereignty.
   • Explanation: The Peace of Westphalia established the principle of state sovereignty, where nations have supreme authority within their borders.
2. Who was a key figure in the Thirty Years' War?
   • Correct answer: Gustavus Adolphus.
   • Explanation: Gustavus Adolphus was the King of Sweden who intervened in the Thirty Years' War, introducing new military tactics and strategies that influenced the course of the conflict.
3. What was the significance of the Treaty of Münster?
   • Correct answer: The Treaty of Münster established the principle of state sovereignty and ended the Eighty Years' War.
   • Explanation: The Treaty of Münster was signed by the Holy Roman Empire, Sweden, France, and Spain, establishing the principle of state sovereignty and ending the Eighty Years' War.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648.
• The Thirty Years' War began in 1618.
• The Treaty of Münster and the Treaty of Osnabrück were signed in 1648.
• Cardinal Richelieu played a crucial role in the Thirty Years' War, but he died in 1642.
• Gustavus Adolphus was the King of Sweden who intervened in the Thirty Years' War.
• The Westphalian system is based on the principle of state sovereignty.
• The Treaty of Münster established the principle of state sovereignty and ended the Eighty Years' War.
• The Treaty of Osnabrück established the principle of state sovereignty and ended the Thirty Years' War.
• The Peace of Westphalia marked the end of the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War.
• The Westphalian system has had a lasting impact on international relations and the development of international law.