# Peace of Westphalia (1648)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1648-peace-of-westphalia
Location: Westphalia

France gained territory and influence while the Thirty Years’ War ended in the Empire. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XIV (King of France). Peace of Westphalia mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Peace of Westphalia mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XIV](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xiv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Peace of Westphalia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Peace+of+Westphalia&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Peace of Westphalia](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Peace+of+Westphalia)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)