Answer to quiz question of 18 Oct 04

Q2) Evaluating the consequences of the 30 Years' War, KR write, "Although
Westphalia can be credited with terminating what had become the most
wide-spread, large-scale general war in Europe up to that point in hisotry, it
did not create an effective process for preserving world order." What do they
mean by this claim?

A. The 30 Years' War can be viewed by having both accomplishments and
failures. The positive aspects of the war are that religious conflict no
longer bred a full-scale war and the attempt to gain hegemonic power was no
longer seen as a direct threat. This war also provided the basis for the
modern state system and for making peaceful settlements and treaties. It also
led to the establishment of democratic governance. These factors combined
terminated the full-out war in Europe but the war also led to negative
consequences. There was still limited religious freedom and religious
tolerance was incomplete. Hegemonic rivalries remained by legitimating the the
race for predominant power. Even though most of the states relied on a balance
of power system, this was the primary reason for continued bloodshed. Even
after the peace settlements were signed, France and Spain continued fighting
for another 11 years and Swedish forces refused to withdraw from their
occupation. At the time, the 30 Years' War established states and some
cooperation among them but in its long-term effects, true peace was not
established. Religious and political issues continued to increase the tensions
between states and world order was not effectively created.

By S.C.