Electorate of Hanover

The Electorate of Hanover was a region in northwestern Germany, part of the Holy Roman Empire, ruled by the Elector of Hanover. It existed from 1692 until 1814 and was known for its strong German culture and political influence. The Electorate’s rulers also became Kings of Great Britain and Ireland from 1714 to 1837, creating a personal union between the two crowns. Hanover was a significant Protestant territory, and its governance played a key role in European politics of the time. After 1814, it became the Kingdom of Hanover, maintaining its regional independence until its annexation by Prussia in 1866.