Kingdom of Westphalia

The Kingdom of Westphalia is a historical state in present-day Germany that existed from 1807-1813. While formally independent, it was a vassal state of France, ruled by Napoleon's brother Jérôme Bonaparte. It was named after Westphalia, but had little territory in common with that area.

Related Topics:
Germany - 1807 - 1813 - Vassal - France - Napoleon - Jérôme Bonaparte - Westphalia

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The Kingdom of Westphalia was created in 1807 by merging territories ceded by Prussia in the Peace of Tilsit, among them the former Electorate of Hanover, with the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg and the Electorate of Hesse. Its capital was Cassel; it was a member of the Confederation of the Rhine.

Related Topics:
1807 - Prussia - Peace of Tilsit - Hanover - Brunswick-Lüneburg - Hesse - Cassel - Confederation of the Rhine

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Intended as a Napoleonic "model state", a constitution was written and a number of social reforms were implemented in the kingdom, such as the abolition of servitude, the right of free enterprise, and the Napoleonic code. A metric system of weights and measures was instituted. The right to free expression was curtailed and censorship instituted.

Related Topics:
Servitude - Free enterprise - Napoleonic code - Censorship

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A significant burden on the kingdom was the requirement to supply troops and financial support for the Napoleonic wars.

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After France lost the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, the kingdom was dissolved and its predecessor states were reestablished.

Related Topics:
Battle of Leipzig - 1813

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