The Survival of the Hessian Nobility, 1770-1870

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Focusing on the German nobility outside Prussia, this examination highlights the landholding nobles of Hesse-Kassel from the end of the ancien regime through the German unification. Gregory Pedlow argues that, contrary to the narrative of bourgeois triumph, these nobles preserved significant political prestige and social power. By showcasing a blend of conservatism and adaptability, the Hessian nobility successfully maintained their status as a landed elite during a transformative period in German history.