The Treaty of the Pyrenees: Ratification

Background

The Treaty of the Pyrenees, while negotiated and agreed upon in 1659, was formally ratified on June 8, 1660. The treaty marked the end of the Franco-Spanish War that had been ongoing since 1635 as part of the larger Thirty Years’ War. The conflict saw France and Spain battling for European dominance, with France emerging as a major power.

Historical Context

Throughout the early to mid-17th century, Europe was embroiled in the Thirty Years’ War, which initially arose from religious tensions but quickly evolved into a struggle for political power across the continent. The Franco-Spanish War was a continuation of this conflict, pitting two of Europe’s dominant Catholic monarchies against each other. France sought to curb the influence of the Habsburgs, who were ruling Spain, Austria, and the Holy Roman Empire.

The Treaty Provisions

The treaty favored France’s political interests and territorial ambitions significantly:

• Territorial Adjustments: France gained territory, including parts of the Spanish Netherlands and areas in the northern Pyrenees, notably Roussillon and parts of Cerdagne.
• Dynastic Marriage: It included a marriage agreement between France’s King Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain, daughter of Philip IV of Spain. This marriage aimed to solidify the peace and create closer ties between the two nations.
• Prisoner of War Exchange: Both nations agreed on the exchange of prisoners of war, clearing a path for cooperation and peaceful relations.

Impact and Aftermath

Decline of Spanish Influence

The Treaty of the Pyrenees marked a turning point in European power dynamics:

• Decline of Spain: The treaty effectively signaled the decline of Spanish dominance in Europe. The loss of key territories and the inability to hold its front against France highlighted Spain’s waning military and economic strength.
• Shift in Power: With the treaty, France began its rise as a dominant power in Europe, a status that would continue under King Louis XIV, who further centralized French power and expanded its influence across the continent.

Long-term Consequences

The treaty not only reshaped territorial control but also had lasting implications on European alliances and power structures:

• Foundation for Future Conflicts: The provisions set the stage for future tensions, particularly concerning succession rights tied to the marriage clause, which would later play into the War of Spanish Succession.
• Emergence of France as a Cultural Leader: As France’s political and military power grew, it also began to establish itself as a cultural leader in Europe, influencing arts, architecture, and fashion.

In summary, the ratification of the Treaty of the Pyrenees on June 8, 1660, symbolized a pivotal shift in the European balance of power, concluding a long conflict while ushering in a new era of French ascendancy and Spanish decline.