The Peace of Westphalia and the Rise of Collectivist Security Over Imperialism

This paper explores how events surrounding the Thirty Year’s War affected the political hierarchy within the Holy Roman Empire and her various states, as well as thoughts on collective security, state-sovereignty, and international relations across Europe. This essay will examine the Treaty of Westphalia, and the social and political effects that this extraordinary piece of international legislation had on major European powers. This essay will also analyze the influence the treaty would have over future disputes and conflicts arising in post-Westphalian Europe leading into the 21st Century.