Peace of Westphalia: European Situation

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Historical Processes in Europe
Conclusion
Reference List

Introduction

Peace of Westphalia may be regarded as one of the most notable events in Medieval Europe in the sphere of international relations and diplomacy. In fact, the two treaties (in Osnabruck and Munster) ended two large wars in Europe, and became the start of the new epoch in diplomatic relations and territorial order in Europe. The main aims of the Peace Congress was the regulation of international, confessional and inter-imperial problems. Every State pursued its own goals: France wished to breach the surrounding of Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs, Sweden to achieve hegemony in Baltic region, Holy Roman Empire. Hence, the development of the powers and reallocation of force were started by these Peace Treaties. The aim of the paper is to define the development processes of three European States and define which may be regarded as a defining power on the European political map.

Historical Processes in Europe

In spite of the fact that the peace treaties have been signed, it did not stop the warfare, as the territorial dissatisfactions of European leaders were heated by the political and diplomatic intrigues, as well as the growing claims associated with successor regulations in the sphere of succession to the throne. (Croxton, 1999)

The states that will be selected for analysis are France, Austria, and Russia. The choice is reasoned by the fact that France and Austria may be regarded as the key players in the political life of Europe, while Russia was the new player on the European map. In fact, the new political order was not simply the way of arranging cooperation, trade and reallocation of forces. This has attracted another player which was not involved in international life till 1697, when Peter I aimed to find allies against the Ottoman Empire. Peter visited Riga, Konigsberg, Brandenburg, Holland, England, Austria. A visit to Venice by the Pope was also appointed. Most of the treaties and contacts that were created during the Great Embassy played an important role in future, as Peter did not manage to create the coalition against the Ottoman empire, as the Europe was preparing for the War of the Spanish Succession; however, favorable conditions were created for struggling for the Baltic region. Hence, the Russian expansion was refocused from the southern destination against the Khanate of Crimea and Ottoman Empire, to the western and northern destination against Sweden. The allies of Russia in this war were Danish-Norwegian kingdom and Saxony, however, the coalition with these states disintegrated soon after the start of the warfare. Additionally, various States joined Russia during various periods of this war: Hannover, Holland, Prussia, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

This war was rather successful for Russia, as the Great Northern War had changed the allocation of forces in Baltic region. Russia became the superpower, dominating in Eastern Europe, as numerous territories were joined to it. Peter I managed to solve the key task – ensuring the outlet to the sea, and adjustment of trade relations with Europe. Russia could boast a contemporary army and powerful fleet in Baltic region. Sweden, in its turn, lost its influence, as well as numerous territories, and became the subsidiary State on the European political map.

The Outlet to the Black Sea was successfully resolved by Catherine II. In Russo Turkish War, Russia managed to drive out the Ottoman Empire from Black Sea region. In 1772 – 1795 Russia participated in Partitions of Poland which may be regarded as the final consolidation of Russia as the superpower in Europe.

Western Europe was not quiet and peaceful during this period either. France had been preparing for the War of the Spanish Succession, and the political life, as well as diplomatic sphere, was full of intrigues, conspiracies, betrayals and rumors. The complexity of the French diplomacy may be compared with the complexity of intrigues in the palace of Versailles. In fact, after signing of Westphalia treaties, France participated in campaigns against the Ottoman Empire, Spanish Netherlands which was also known as War of Spanish Devolution. This had warned England and Sweden, which formed a triple alliance against France with Dutch Republic. This made Louis XIV agree to a peace in Aachen, in accordance to which Louis refused from Franche-Comte; however, it had an opportunity to join Lille.

The colonial struggles of France can not be missed, as this is the defining line of French course in international relations. The main struggle was headed against Spain and conquering of the colonial territories in North Africa. The beginning of the XVIII century was featured by the Spain leaving the list of great powers of Europe, and the peace between France and Spain was established. In 1733 the war against Polish Succession became the new aim of French king Louis XV. Hence, France joined the war against the Austrian Empire. Finally, Austria was left alone against the Franco-Spanish alliance. The treaty of Vienna confirmed the French annexation of the Duchy of Lorraine. However, the international affairs took too much attention of the king and ministries, while the domestic affairs took a laissez-fair, which heated the revolutionary moods among the population. The death of Louis XV in 1774 became the defining point for revolutionary activity in France and the following coming of Napoleon to power.

While Russia had been consolidating its powers, and France aimed to become the largest colonial empire, the Austrian Empire did not lose time for nothing, and also aimed to consolidate its position on the European political map. In fact, the French competition was felt essentially, as Austria was the key opponent for the War of Spanish Succession, as well as the Third Dutch War and the War of the League of Augsburg. The Austrian Empire was supported by British, Catalonian and Dutch allies, however, it did not help Austria to win the Gran Prix in dividing the Spanish succession. Though, the Spanish Netherlands became an Austrian territory, as well as Milan, Naples and Sardinia became Austrian territories.

The international policy of Austrian empire may be featured with comparative success, however, the peaces and agreements were too fragile, as few agreed with the existing territorial allocations, hence, they were constantly changing, and the reigns of the monarchies aimed to join the most fertile lands, rich with natural resources and featured with notable strategic values. (Mueller, 2000)

Conclusion

The analysis of the European situation from three of the most notable points (Western, Central and Eastern) revealed the strong wish of the great powers to conquer as many territories as possible. However, in distinction with its European colleagues, Peter I and Catherine II aimed to join territories directly, while the superpowers of Europe realized that there was nothing to divide in the European continent, and the main battle was steadily refocused for the colonial wars.

Reference List

Croxton, Derek. Peacemaking in Early Modern Europe: Cardinal Mazarin and the Congress of Westphalia, 1643-1648. Selinsgrove, PA: Susquehanna University Press, 1999.

Mueller, John, ed. Peace, Prosperity, and Politics. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2000.

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Peace of Westphalia: European Situation

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