List of Top 10 Important Treaties in World History

Across time, treaties have served to influence the shape of world's political, social, and economic order. They have caused wars to cease, provoked peace, mandated borders and influenced international relations for centuries. From ancient to modern time, treaties have determined the fate of nations and determined the mechanisms through which diplomacy operated across globe. In a post-colonial perspective of accepted reading choices in history, political issues, or competitive academic exam papers - treaties are monumental and indicative of change points in world affairs. 

Below is an article that has listed the 10 most significant treaties in world history that caused far reaching changes in the course and nature of world history. Each treaty and/or event of each treaty is significant not only to the direct parties involved, but also indicative of the broad or juxtaposed implications that these treaties left on world history.

Check Out: List of Top 10 Oldest Languages in the World (Still Spoken)

Top 10 Important Treaties in World History

Here are the top 10 important treaties in World History, along with the countries they were between and the year: 

1. Treaty of Westphalia (1648)

The Treaty of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe, closing the book on decades of religious and political conflict and bringing peace to Europe. It was the beginning of the modern state system, as it recognized the sovereign right of nations to operate independently of external authority.

 This treaty created new boundaries, weakened the Holy Roman Empire, and strengthened France and Sweden. The principles of the sovereignty of nation-states and diplomacy remain major influences on international relations to this day.

2. Treaty of Paris (1783)

The Treaty of Paris was signed between the United States and Great Britain and brought an official end to the American Revolutionary War. Great Britain recognized U.S. independence and ceded tremendous territories to the U.S., stretching to the Mississippi River.

 It established new boundaries and brought about the security of American sovereignty and global recognition. Also, the treaty provided precedents for future diplomacy and negotiation and ultimately shaped the future of international agreements. The Treaty of Paris remains one of the greatest milestones in U.S. history.

3. Vienna Congress (1815) 

The Congress of Vienna was convened following Napoleon's defeat and aimed to bring stability to Europe. The five major powers of Austria, Prussia, Russia, Britain, and France redrawn the map of Europe and replaced monarchies. It established a balance of power that would attempt to stop future large-scale wars.

 It also encouraged diplomatic solutions and collaboration among countries, which provided relative peace for Europe from 1815 until the First World War erupted in 1914. It marked the beginning of a new era in international politics.

4. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed between the United States and Mexico to end the Mexican-American War. In the Treaty, Mexico ceded contemporary California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, greatly altering the geography of North America. 

In return, the United States paid $15 million and absorbed specific claims and territories. The Treaty significantly expanded the territories of the United States while remaining a fundamental event in the history of both nations.

5. The Treaty of Kanagawa (1854) 

The Kanagawa Treaty ended Japan's isolationist policies as a result of US pressure opening up Japan to foreign trade. It was signed with Commodore Matthew Perry and included diplomatic relations, the opening of Japanese ports, and safe treatment of shipwrecked sailors. 

While reluctantly signed, it began the transformation of Japan into a modern power and served as a turning point in Japanese political and economic history.