[rdouglass]

For me, I always play "bloodthirsy" race so any treaties lower my population happines. However, if your race is peaceful and you accept the treaties, your happiness will go up. If your neutral ANYTHING will lower their happines (Sidenote: IMO Neutral is a harder setting due to this fact) whether it be treaties, wars, or what have you. Personally, I never accept treaties unless I have no other choice (READ getting my butt kicked).

OTOH, you can trade for technologies and stuff without having any treaties. I have done that in the past IE. trade Rock tech for Gas tech, etc.