Game-Changers

Treaties have been used throughout centuries to ensure peace and end wars. Considering how interconnected the world has become, it comes as no surprise that many of these treaties have massive and long-lasting effects. With that in mind, here are 20 of the most significant treaties to be enacted.

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1. Treaty of Tordesillas

This treaty was spearheaded by the papacy and involved dividing up non-European lands between Portugal and Spain. This is why there is a major Spanish influence in the Americas while Portugal controlled Brazilian territories.

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2. The Peace of Westphalia

In order to end the Thirty Years' War within Central and Western Europe, the Peace of Westphalia was designed to implement sovereignty and autonomy throughout the internal states. This was the groundwork for global norms in current international relations.

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3. Treaty of Paris

To end the American Revolution, the Treaty of Paris was implemented and negotiated by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. It allowed the United States to secure peace with Britain and claim the Mississippi River territory.

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4. The Congress of Vienna

After the Napoleonic Wars, the Congress of Vienna essentially reshaped Europe. The treaty focused on ensuring stability and peace, and it came at the cost of sacrificing Poland while avoiding punishment for France.

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5. Treaty of Rome

Also known as the European Economic Community Treaty, this document basically created the foundation for the European Union. It led to a decrease in customs duties and supported a common market for goods and labor.

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6. Maastricht Treaty

While the Treaty of Rome supported some goals within the European Union, the Maastricht Treaty actually unified the region. This foundational treaty was between twelve member states within the European Communities and has shaped the world.

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7. Treaty of Lisbon

This Reform Treaty was signed in 2007, making it one of the more recent treaties to go into action. It essentially updated the European Union and made notable changes that fostered a more powerful European Parliament.

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8. Egyptian-Hittite Peace Treaty

What makes this treaty between Ramesses II and Hattusili III so notable is the fact that it is considered the oldest known surviving treaty. Signed in 1259 BC, it marked unity between the two regions.

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9. The Berlin Conference

The Berlin Conference marks the signing of the General Act, which led to colonization and trade within Africa. This treaty brought on the New Imperialism period and led to the height of European colonial activity.

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10. Treaty of Versailles

The famous Treaty of Versailles was created to support the defeat of the Central Powers in World War I. This treaty extensively punished Germany, which some believe led to resentment that fostered World War II.

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11. SALT

The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, or SALT treaty, was a significant marker of the Cold War. This document essentially sought to slow down the nuclear arms race, and two versions were created with the aim of limiting launchers and banning missile programs.

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12. Magna Carta

While not entirely a treaty, this document was significant in both a religious and political sense, as it was the first time king and government were brought down to the same level as citizens.

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13. Treaty of Utrecht

This treaty was signed by the Dutch, France, and Spain with the main goal of ending the War of the Spanish Succession. This led to the end of the Habsburg lineage and the eventual appointment of Philip, Duke of Anjou, on the Spanish throne.

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14. Treaty of Portsmouth

The Russo-Japanese War had been raging from 1904 to 1905, and the Treaty of Portsmouth was enacted in 1905 to end the war. It was brokered by President Theodore Roosevelt and led to the end of the war.

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15. Treaty of Ghent

The War of 1812 is a significant event in American history, as it showcased the intensity between Britain and the United States. However, the Treaty of Ghent, signed by the Belgians, essentially ended the war, although it had minimal effect.

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16. Adams-Onís Treaty

In 1819, the Adams-Onís Treaty resolved the boundary dispute between Spain and the United States. In fact, it was a response to the intensity brought on by the Louisiana Purchase and was negotiated by John Quincy Adams.

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17. Camp David Accords

Brokered by President Jimmy Carter, the Camp David Accords was a peace treaty that led to Egypt regaining the Sinai Peninsula from Israel. In return, Israel was given access to the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

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18. Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Signed into effect by the Soviet Union’s Bolshevik government, this 1918 treaty sought to end the Russian Civil War. However, this treaty would eventually be surpassed by the Treaty of Versailles.

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19. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

From 1846 to 1848, a war had been raging between America and Mexico, mainly for the territories of California, Utah, Nevada, and so on. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was created to transfer these states to America’s control.

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20. Lateran Treaty

In 1929, the Lateran Treaty led to the creation of the esteemed Vatican City. This treaty, signed between Pope Pius XI and Benito Mussolini, ended the famous Roman Question and led to the unification of Italy and Catholicism.

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