France and Europe: the rise of French power at the expense of the Habsburgs; the treaties of Westphalia and the Pyrenees
Two major peace treaties — Westphalia (1648) and the Pyrenees (1659) — ended decades of war and left France stronger than any other European power. They did this largely by weakening the Habsburg dynasties that had dominated Europe.
Real World
The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) recognised French gains of Alsatian territories and confirmed the independence of hundreds of German princes from Habsburg control — directly comparable to a hostile takeover that strips a conglomerate of its subsidiaries, leaving the parent company structurally crippled.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'assess' French gains, distinguish territorial gains from the Pyrenees and diplomatic gains from Westphalia separately for full marks.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?