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The Watchful Peace was a relatively peaceful period during the Third Age, from T.A. 2063 until Sauron's return to Dol Guldur in 2460. During this time Dol Guldur was ruled by Khamûl the Easterling in the Absence of the Necromancer. It was during this period that the Witch-king of Angmar had overthrown the Northern Kingdom of Arnor and its three successor kingdoms: Arthedain, Rhudaur, and Cardolan. The Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened, but the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return.
The Watchful Peace began in T.A. 2063, when Gandalf went to Dol Guldur and the evil dwelling there (later known to be Sauron) fled east. It lasted until T.A. 2460, when Sauron returned with new strength.
This took place shortly after the loss of Eärnur, the last king of Gondor, and so the first ten Ruling Stewards had relative calm in which to renew their strength. During the Watchful Peace Gondor strengthened its borders, keeping a watchful eye on the east, as Minas Morgul was still a threat on their flank and Mordor was still occupied with Orcs. But no major escalations occurred except for minor skirmishes with the Haven of Umbar. Stewards of Gondor during the Watchful Peace included Mardil Voronwë, Eradan, Herion, Belegorn, Húrin I, Túrin I, Hador, Barahir, Dior, and Denethor I.
In the north, Arthedain and Arnor were long gone, but Angmar had also fallen. The first seven Chieftains of the Dúnedain reigned during the Watchful Peace: Aranarth, Arahael, Aranuir, Aravir, Aragorn I, Araglas, and Arahad I. The Hobbits of the Shire prospered and even expanded; Buckland was first occupied by Oldbucks at this time. Isumbras I became the first Tookish Thain of the Shire in 2340.
At the beginning of the Watchful Peace, the Dwarves of Durin's folk dwelt in both the Grey Mountains and in Erebor. Thráin I made his abode at Erebor, but the majority of his people inhabited the Grey Mountains and his son Thorin I moved there as well. He was followed as King of Durin's Folk by Glóin and Óin.
Further south, some Stoors inhabited the areas near the Gladden Fields. Sméagol was born and spent his youth there toward the end of the Watchful Peace; it was after Sauron's return from the east that the One Ring revealed itself and Sméagol claimed it.