There has always existed differences in perspective between Caldari and Gallente.
Where the Gallente saw ‘Cultural Deliverance’; Caldari saw a paternalistic imperialism.
Where Gallente saw a need to escape overpopulation by settling on Caldari; Caldari saw colonization by foreigners.
Where Gallente saw secret colonies; Caldari saw the only the means to escape foreign interference.
Where Gallente saw the need for democracy; Caldari saw only foreign interventionism.
Where Gallente saw a Federation; Caldari saw a tool for control and oppression.
A war was fought over these differences in perspective, and it is still being fought to this day. The peace that existed prior was always tenuous at best, for it was the peace of separation and distance between two societies so opposite in culture and outlook among the stars. At least, I don’t think the Great Families and people of the Raata successor states which formed what are now our Megacorporations viewed the Gallente as anything but to be kept at a distance, but at least that distance kept the peace.
Historically speaking, and at present I think it’s an open question as to whether or not the Gallente desire peace with Caldari, or if it’s even possible to return to some form of status quo ante prior to the formation of the Federation where a peace, however tenuous, existed.