"I am convinced that when the history of international law comes to be written centuries hence, it will be divided into two periods: the first being from the earliest times to the end of the nineteenth century, and the second beginning with the Hague Conference"

Ludwig Quidde's quote reflects on the transformative impact of the Hague Conference on worldwide law. His assertion posits that the historic story of global law can be segregated into two distinct durations: pre and post-Hague Conference.

The expression "from the earliest times to the end of the nineteenth century" encapsulates a broad timeline identified by the evolution of worldwide norms, treaties, and diplomatic practices rooted mainly in customary law and bilateral agreements. This era witnessed the progressive codification of worldwide protocols, influenced by major geopolitical modifications such as the Peace of Westphalia and the Congress of Vienna. Legal concepts throughout this time were typically shaped by power balances, colonial pursuits, and the self-interests of sovereign states.

Quidde's delineation suggests that completion of the 19th century and the onset of the Hague Conference marks a watershed minute. The Hague Conferences, especially the first in 1899 and the second in 1907, were critical in developing formalized procedures for conflict resolution and the codification of international law. They are renowned for starting extensive conversations on problems like disarmament, the laws of war, and arbitration mechanisms. These conferences laid the fundamental structure for contemporary worldwide legal practices and institutions, setting precedents that resonate in today's global governance through bodies like the United Nations and the International Court of Justice.

Quidde's point of view underscores the Hague Conference's role in transitioning from loosely defined, often Eurocentric legal standards to a more structured, multilateral, and worldwide inclusive approach. This shift shows a growing acknowledgment of global cooperation and legal equality, leading the way for more systematic and holistic codification of laws governing global relations.

In essence, Quidde catches the concept that the Hague Conference was not merely an event however a transformative turning point that redefined worldwide law's trajectory. By proposing such a division, he emphasizes the enduring significance of the Hague Conferences in shaping a modern legal order committed to peace and justice on an international scale.