Peace of Ryswick refers to the treaty signed on 20 September 1697 between various European powers, ending the Nine Years' War. It was negotiated in the Dutch city of Rijswijk (or Ryswick), hence its name. The signatories of the peace treaty were France, England, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and the United Provinces (Dutch Republic).
The Peace of Ryswick aimed to resolve the conflicts arising from the Nine Years' War, fought primarily between France and a coalition of European powers. The treaty established a new balance of power in Europe and confirmed the territorial gains of certain countries. According to the terms of the agreement, Louis XIV of France agreed to recognize William III of England as the rightful King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, thus ending the Jacobite threat against William's regime.
This peace treaty also delineated the boundaries of territories and marked the return of some territories to their previous rulers. For instance, France agreed to return the regions of Lorraine and Luxembourg to the Holy Roman Empire, while Spain regained control over its former possessions in Europe. Additionally, the United Provinces of the Netherlands benefited from territorial gains, solidifying their status as an independent and significant power in the region.
Overall, the Peace of Ryswick played a crucial role in stabilizing Europe and preventing further conflicts. It solidified certain territorial arrangements and recognized the sovereignty of specific rulers, establishing a new order on the continent. While not solving all the disputes between the signatory nations, this treaty brought much-needed peace to the region and set the stage for subsequent diplomatic negotiations.
