Always Has Been: Chapter 1: Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1668)

The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, signed in 1668, marked the conclusion of the War of Devolution, resolving territorial disputes between France and Spain over the Spanish Netherlands. Significant for its emphasis on diplomacy, it temporarily stabilized Western Europe by ceding territories to France while highlighting the power of negotiation. This treaty illustrated a shift toward diplomatic solutions in conflict resolution, providing a precursor to more advanced international diplomatic dialogues in Europe.