What was a key political outcome of the Peace of Westphalia?

The Peace of Westphalia, concluded in 1648, marked a significant turning point in European political history, particularly in terms of establishing the principle of state sovereignty. One of the key outcomes was that it allowed France to play a more influential role in the German territories. This was significant because it contributed to the diminishing power of the Holy Roman Empire and allowed France to expand its territorial and political influence in central Europe.

By recognizing the autonomy of over 300 German principalities, the treaty effectively weakened the central authority of the Holy Roman Empire and created a power vacuum that France, under Cardinal Richelieu, sought to exploit. This interventionist approach paved the way for future Franco-German relations, setting the stage for later conflicts in Europe.

In contrast, the other options reflect outcomes or implications that are not directly tied to the central tenets established by the Peace of Westphalia. The treaty fundamentally shifted the political landscape by promoting the notion of national sovereignty and diminishing the absolute authority of religious entities, such as the Catholic Church, over state matters, distinguishing it from notions of monarchy or direct interventions by England.