History Makers: 5 Treaties That Shaped The World

What Are Treaties?

Since ancient times the formation of states have always been shaped by treaties. Treaties are basically agreements between two states which are usually signed at end of conflicts.

How Do Treaties Reshape History?

Treaties come into fruition and they profoundly reshape boundaries, alliances, economies, and international relations. Here are 5 treaties that shaped the world.

Treaty of Tordesillas

The transformative Treaty of Tordesillas was signed in the year 1494. It was signed between Portugal and Spain.

Navigating New Worlds

The event was guided by the Papacy and it drew lines that shaped the course of exploration and colonisation following this.

The Peace of Westphalia

The Peace of Westphalia came into fruition when the Protestants and the Catholics chose to end a 30 year old war. It was an amalgamation of Treaty of Münster and the Treaty of Osnabrück.

State Becomes Authority

It also helped in laying the groundwork for the modern nation-state, establishing principles of territorial sovereignty.

Treaty of Paris

The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 and is one of the oldest treaties signed by the USA which still remains in effect today.

Birth of a Nation

Revisit the impactful Treaty of Paris (1783), ending the American Revolution favorably for the United States, leading to its expansion and emergence as a major continental power.

The Congress of Vienna

The Congress of Vienna saw a number of treaties being signed between various European and Scandinavian nations from 1814–15.

Reshaping Europe

The brilliant diplomats forged agreements that prevented a major European war for a century. It showcased effective post-war negotiations.

Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 between the Germany and the Western allies.

A Legacy of Conflict

Its punitive terms on Germany, and the repercussions that contributed to the conditions leading to World War II.