Germany, States: Hesse-Darmstadt, great Duchy, 1 Pfennig – 1819

Description

In 1806, with the dissolution of the Holy Empire, and the deposition of his cousin the elector of Hesse-Kassel, the Landgrave Louis was union to the new Confederation of the Rin created by Napoleon, taking the title of Grand Duke of Hesse. Colloquially it was continued to be called Hesse-Darmstadt and its territory was increased, especially with the incorporation of Westphalia Duchy. In 1815, after Napoleon”s defeat, he would be integrated into the new German Confederation, and Westphalia would be absorbed by Prussia. In 1820 a new Constitution was issued, and a great legal reform began to unify the different territories of the great Duchy. The 1848 liberal revolts would force the Government to adopt the masculine universal suffrage and the abolition of servitude. In 1866, Hesse-Darmstadt participated in the Austro-Prussian war on Austria”s side, although he did not receive a bad treatment. In 1871 he joined the German empire.