Liechtenstein History

Since 1434 the territory of the Principality of Liechtenstein was marked between the Holy Roman Empire and the Swiss cantons. During the whole period of the country’s history it was gradually ruled by various families (the counts of Montfort, von Brandis, van Sulz, and von Hohenems). The geography of Liechtenstein was been influenced by the history, especially by the administrative division. The country itself came out of the Holy Roman Empire. The death of Charlemagne in 814 caused the development of county of Vaduz. In 1719 the territories of Vaduz and Schellenberg were united, and there appeared the newly-formed territory of Furstentum. The period of Austrian power in Liechtenstein began after the end of the Thirty Years War. Some time later the Swedes conquered this territory. During the Napoleonic War, the country was occupied by Both French and Russians. The name of Liechtenstein came from the Liechtenstein castle in Lower Austria In 1805 Liechtenstein became the member of the Confederation of the Rhine. The Liechtenstein dynasty ruled this territory until 1807. The area was widening greatly, because the parts of Moravia, Lower Austria, and Silesia were added. Soon Liechtenstein joined the German Confederation. In 1818 Johann I granted limited constitution to the country and the constitution was published in 1862.

In the 19th century the country was closely connected with Austria Empire, later with Austria-Hungary. The economic problems caused by World War I made the country organize monetary union with its neighbor Switzerland. Officially neutral – this was the policy of Liechtenstein during World War II. The so-called Cold War resulted in strict prohibition for the citizens of Liechtenstein to enter Czechoslovakia. Nowadays the Prince of Liechtenstein is considered to be the sixth wealthiest leader in the world.