Courland
Courland was a nation in the Baltic region, bordering Livonia, Lithuania, and the Russian Empire.
History
The region that would be Courland was among the regions in the Russian Empire invaded by Prussia during the Austro-Prussian War. As Prussia neared St. Petersburg, Russia sued for peace. The Baltic Governorates were divided into spheres of influence between Prussia and Sweden. Courland was made an independent kingdom under the rule of George, former King of Hanover. This was done after Hanover was annexed by Prussia, but to placate George into Prussian influence.
Courland was an ally of Germany beginning in 1884, though declined to join the German Empire.
Disbandment
Adolphe of Livonia was succeeded by his son, William, in 1905. However, William only had daughters with no son to succeed him. Though William attempted to amend the constitution to allow for a daughter to become queen, this move was blocked by prominent conservatives. Germany and Sweden convened, and Livonia was divided between Courland and Estonia. Courland was reorganized in Latvia.
Comments