The Triumph of Peace: International Congresses and European Society in the Time of Courts and Alliances

Abstract

The formation of the first state system in Europe took place from the conclusion of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, as a result of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), to the Utrecht (1713) and Rastatt-Baden (1714) Congresses which finished the end of the war of the Spanish Succession. The legal fixation of the Westphallian system was accompanied by its public perception and acceptance. First of all, this was demonstrated by International Congresses, which were not only a common negotiation process, but also a place of representation of the significance and culture of each state. In fact, the European Congress was a carefully designed triumph of peace within the continent, which required considerable funds, was widely covered in the press and glorified in celebrations, paintings, the release of commemorative medals, poetry and even fashion. The article presents the most striking examples of the analysis of the representation forms of Peace Congresses. The author believes that negotiations between states and the conclusion of peace made a significant contribution to the civilization heritage of Europe. The factor of transition from war to peace was the strongest stimulus for the transformation of the government structure in line with the monopolization of power, the development of trade, the banking system, productive forces and culture, which changed people's attitude to their own personality and environment. The publicity of International Congresses can also be considered as incentive for the development of the Law of Nations and as an act of humanitarian diplomacy. Peace Congresses were designed to minimize the heavy legacy of military conflicts in the historical memory.