The Hanoverian Question and Prussian Foreign Policy in the Early Nineteenth Century (1801–1806)

This study explores the significance of the Hanoverian Question for Prussian foreign policy in the early nineteenth century. The author looks at the origins of the Hanoverian Question and analyses Prussian motives for annexing Hanover in the first part of the article. Special attention is paid to the relationship between Prussian foreign policy and Prussian domestic stability. The political system in Prussia was severely unbalanced by the capture of vast swathes of Polish territory to the east, populated mostly by Catholics. To restore the balance, the Prussian state badly needed a German-speaking and Evangelical province to the west, and only the Electorate of Hanover met these requirements. The Hanoverian Question went hand in hand with the neutrality policy pursued by Prussia between 1795 and 1806. After the unsuccessful occupation of Hanover in 1801, Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III committed himself solely to the peaceful annexation of the Electorate, which had to be recognised internationally, above all by France, Great Britain, and Russia. Forced to manoeuvre between Napoleon and the Anti-French Coalition, Prussia eventually gained possession of Hanover, but found itself at war with both Great Britain and France. Thus, the delicate Hanoverian Question paved the way for the War of the Fourth Coalition of 1806–1807, which ended in Prussia's worst defeat. One can conclude that Prussia failed to resolve the Hanoverian Question satisfactorily, yet this diplomatic setback was instrumental in changing Prussian foreign policy. After 1806 Prussia finally abandoned its policy of neutrality and manoeuvring appeared more willing to use force to achieve its goals.

Keywords

Prussia, Hanover, foreign policy, Napoleonic Wars, War of the Fourth Coalition, Friedrich Wilhelm III, neutrality

Received

10.02.2022

Publication date

13.05.2022

Number of characters

31307

Cite

GOST	Sterkhov D. The Hanoverian Question and Prussian Foreign Policy in the Early Nineteenth Century (1801–1806) // Novaia i noveishaia istoriia – 2022. – Issue 2 C. 38-47 [Electronic resource]. URL: https://nni.jes.su/S013038640018318-7-1 (circulation date: 04.05.2024). DOI: 10.31857/S013038640018318-7
MLA	Sterkhov, Dmitry "The Hanoverian Question and Prussian Foreign Policy in the Early Nineteenth Century (1801–1806)." Novaia i noveishaia istoriia 2 (2022):38-47. DOI: 10.31857/S013038640018318-7
APA	Sterkhov D. (2022). The Hanoverian Question and Prussian Foreign Policy in the Early Nineteenth Century (1801–1806). Novaia i noveishaia istoriia (2), pp.38-47 DOI: 10.31857/S013038640018318-7

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