Ambition and Reality. Ennoblement in smaller German States explained on the example of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

Abstract

Ambition and Reality. Ennoblement in smaller German States explained on the example of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. – After the decline of The Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the right to ennoble passed over to all German states that became a part of German Confederation in 1815. Among these, there was also the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha). Its rulers, close relatives of the British ruling dynasty, had high ambitions. Frequent ennoblements were also a part of their policy. Such ennoblements, however, were not recognized by larger German States (namely Prussia) or these were subject to further terms and conditions dictated by these states.