A pivotal event in early modern history, the Congress of Westphalia gave birth to our contemporary international political system. While bringing peace to Germany after the Thirty Years' War, it created a new order in Europe and resolved longer lasting problems, including religious divisions and the relationship between emperor and estates. It was one of the longest and most complex, peace conferences in history. This book provides an essential reference for anyone wishing to sort out the complicated negotiations.

The significance of the European order established in 1648 extends far...