Treaties of Nijmegen
Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
What happened
France, the Dutch Republic, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, Sweden, Brandenburg, Denmark-Norway and others. A series of peace treaties signed at Nijmegen between 1678 and 1679 ended the wars that grew out of the Franco-Dutch War of 1672-78. France gained Franche-Comté and several towns in the Spanish Netherlands. Louis XIV gave Maastricht back to the Dutch leader William III.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The first treaty placed France's northern border very near where it is today. But the treaties did not bring a lasting peace.
What came next
Some French gains lasted only a few years: the Holy Roman Empire accepted French occupation of Freiburg until 1697 and of Kehl until 1698.
Did you know?
The composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier wrote a Te Deum for the occasion, and its prelude is now known as the Eurovision theme.
Timeline
- 1672The Franco-Dutch War begins.
- 10 August 1678France and the Dutch Republic sign peace.
- 12 October 1679The last treaty, between the Dutch and Sweden, is signed.
- 1925Nijmegen first hosts the Four Days Marches.