The Peace of Westphalia, concluded in 1648, had several significant consequences for Europe. It marked the end of the Thirty Years' War, leading to a shift from religious to political motivations in international politics. The treaties promoted the concept of state sovereignty, affirming that states are entitled to govern themselves without external interference. This reshaped the European political landscape by recognizing the rights of various principalities and territories to exist independently. Furthermore, it laid the groundwork for modern diplomacy and international law by introducing mechanisms for resolving disputes between nations peacefully.