Wurttemberg year 1869 stamps 1 kr. Mi 36 -MNG Signed

Wurttemberg year 1869 stamps ☀ 1 kr. Mi 36 -MNG Signed

Württemberg, a former German state, existed in various forms including as a countship, duchy, kingdom, and republic until its partition after World War II. Its territory roughly corresponds to the central and eastern areas of present-day Baden-Württemberg state in Germany, with Stuttgart as its capital.

During the Middle Ages, Württemberg was part of the region known as Swabia. The local dynasty of counts, known as the Wirtembergs (Württembergs), began to expand their control over Swabia from the 12th century onwards. By 1495, Württemberg was elevated to a duchy, with the Estates playing a significant role in its government.

Under Duke Ulrich in the 16th century, Württemberg saw the introduction of Lutheranism and significant judicial and civil reforms. Despite devastation during the Thirty Years’ War and French invasions in the late 17th century, Württemberg made strides in governance, including the introduction of compulsory education in 1649.

In the early 19th century, Württemberg allied with France and gained territory under Napoleon I, eventually becoming an electorate in 1803 and a kingdom in 1806. King William I issued a constitution in 1819, establishing a bicameral legislature and marking Württemberg as a center of liberalism in Germany.

Württemberg joined the Zollverein with Prussia in 1834 but later sided with Austria in the Seven Weeks’ War (1866) against Prussia. After aligning with Prussia in the Franco-German War (1870–1871), Württemberg became part of the new German Empire.

Under Hermann von Mittnacht as chief minister (1876–1900), Württemberg maintained its independence within the German Empire and experienced economic growth, particularly in manufacturing industries.

William II initiated liberal reforms during his reign (1891–1918), but World War I and the revolution of 1918 led to his abdication and the establishment of a republican constitution in 1919.

During the Nazi regime, Württemberg’s government was subordinated to the Reich, and after World War II, it was divided between the U.S. and French occupation zones. In 1949, it was divided into three states: Baden, Württemberg-Baden, and Württemberg-Hohenzollern, which were later merged in 1952 to form Baden-Württemberg.