THE REPUBLIC OF THE UNITED PROVINCES POLICY AT THE PEACE OF WESTPHALIA CONGRESS AND THE PEACE OF MÜNSTER CONCLUSION

Abstract

The Northern Netherlands fought for liberation from Spanish rule for 80 years. The country needed peace and confirmation of sovereignty. Spain, weakened by the war, was also interested in a peace treaty conclusion. Dutch-Spanish negotiations at the Peace of Westphalia Congress had not been held until January, 1646. The parties relatively quickly agreed on the basic terms of
 the agreement. They managed to resolve the issues of colonial conquest, trade, and the closure of the Scheldt. The contradictions, remained unresolved, concerned the position of the Catholic religion on the Lands of the Generality. However, there was no unity regarding the conclusion of peace in the republic itself. The province of Zeeland opposed the conclusion of the treaty. Despite this fact, in January 1647 a preliminary
 peace agreement was signed. It should come into force in case of signing the same Franco-Spanish agreement. In accordance with the Franco-Dutch Union Treaty, its parties undertook not to conclude a separate peace. However, France and Spain could not come to an agreement. As a result of the internal political struggle in the republic, the victory was won by the supporters of the separate peace conclusion.
 On January 30, 1648 the Peace of Münster was concluded between Spain and the Republic of the United Provinces. On May 15, 1648 the parties exchanged instruments of ratification. At the end of May, 1648 the province of Zeeland agreed to the peace concluded.