The Peace of Westphalia, concluded in 1648, consisted of a series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War in Europe. This pivotal moment established the concept of state sovereignty, recognizing the rights of states to govern themselves without external interference. The Peace of Westphalia marked a turning point in international relations, shaping the modern state system and influencing diplomatic practices for centuries.

The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 marked a pivotal decline of religious universalism in European politics, allowing for the emergence of more secular and nationalistic literatures. This stabilization of borders fostered distinct national literary traditions, encouraging poets to explore themes of identity and cultural heritage.