Hesse-Kassel

Hesse-Kassel (Hessen-Kassel) was a German principality that came into existence when the Landgraviate of Hesse was divided in 1568 upon the death of Landgrave Philip of Hesse, when his eldest son Wilhelm IV inherited the northern portion and established his capital in Kassel.

1600s-1700s

The Landgraviate of Hesse-Kassel expanded in 1604 when Landgrave Maurice inherited Hesse-Marburg from his uncle.

Related Topics:
1604 - Hesse-Marburg

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During the Thirty Years' War, Calvinist Hesse-Kassel proved Sweden's most loyal German ally. Landgrave Wilhelm V and, after his death in 1637, his widow supported the Protestant cause and the French and Swedes throughout the war and maintained an army, garrisoning many strongpoints, even while Hesse-Kassel itself was occupied by Imperial troops.

Related Topics:
Thirty Years' War - Calvinist - Sweden - 1637 - French

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During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Landgraves of Hesse-Kassel became infamous for hiring out contingents of their army as mercenaries. Frederick II, notably, hired out his troops to his nephew George III of Britain to suppress the rebellion of the American colonies, the American Revolution, using the revenue to finance his opulent lifestyle.

Related Topics:
17th - 18th - George III - Britain - American Revolution

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