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Map of the Confederation of German States
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During the Napoleonic Wars, the French emperor conducted a radical restructuring of the minor German principalities, sweeping away many of the inconsistencies and consolidating tiny parcels of territory into larger kingdoms and duchies. He named his creation the Confederation of the Rhine. Following his defeat in 1814, the Congress of Vienna took on board much of this vital restructuring, and retained many of the changes. However, the resulting Confederation of German States paved the way for the enlarged Prussia to eventually dominate and take over all of the German states, forcing the country towards unification in 1871 and 1918. A clickable version of this map is available for desktop displays. To select a state or territory for further information, click on its name or anywhere within its borders.
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Original text and map copyright © P L Kessler and the History Files. An original feature for the History Files. Go back or return home. |
