Abstract (Elsevier)
The finite action Euclidean solutions of gauge theories are shown to indicate the existence of tunneling between topologically distinct vacuum configurations. Diagonalization of the Hamiltonian then leads to a continuum of vacua. The construction and properties of these vacua are analyzed. In non-abelian theories of the strong interactions one finds spontaneous symmetry breaking of axial baryon number without the generation of a Goldstone boson, a mechanism for chiral SU( N ) symmetry breaking and a possible source of T violation.