Apr 2, 2015 - Duchy of Courland and Semigallia - House of Biron The Swedes, Russians, and Poles saw the weak Livonian State to satisfy their goals for territorial expansion and economics. Agriculture was the chief occupation, with the principal crops being rye, barley, oats, wheat, flax, and potatoes. Following the February Revolution in Russia, the Autonomous Governorate of Estonia was created on 12 April 1917 (30 March Old Style) from the former Russian Governorate of Estonia and northern Governorate of Livonia. Duchy of Courland. After the October Revolution, the elected Estonian Provincial Assembly declare… Courland 1561-1641. Nearly one hundred rivers drain Courland, but only three of these rivers – the Daugava, the Lielupe and the Venta – are navigable. 35,011 in 1897); Liepāja (Libau) (pop. In ancient times the Curonians, a pagan tribe, inhabited Courland. Courland (/ˈkʊərlənd/; Latvian: Kurzeme; Livonian: Kurāmō; German and Scandinavian languages: Kurland; Latin: Curonia/Couronia; Russian: Курляндия; Lithuanian: Kuršas; Polish: Kurlandia) is one of the historical and cultural regions in western Latvia. On the west it is bordered by the Baltic Sea, and on the south by Lithuania. The regions of Semigallia and Selonia are sometimes considered as part of Courland as they were formerly held by the same duke. Then, Empress Anna of Russia herself the widow of Frederick William the penultimate Duke of Courland, managed to place her lover, Ernst Johann von Biron, on the Ducal throne of Courland. The United Baltic Duchy was nominally recognized as a sovereign state[citation needed] by the Kaiser only on September 22, 1918, half a year after Soviet Russia had formally relinquished all authority over its former Imperial Baltic provinces to the German Empire in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia had been created in 1561 by Gotthard Kettler, last master of the Livonian Order, and had been ruled by his descendants until the dynasty died out in 1737. The promise of gain induced him to authorize wealthy Jews to settle there. As Russian rule in the rest of what is now Latvia began collapsing at the end of World War I, Baltic Germans began a process of forming provincial councils between September 1917 and March 1918, competing with ethnic Latvians' moves toward independence. Our government consists at the moment of the Duke of Courland and the Ducal Council which will reign as long as our government is in exile. The duchy's title goes to the Russian emperor. The Brethren of the Sword, a German military order, subdued the Curonians and converted them to Christianity in the first quarter of the 13th century. After the last of the ducal line into which she had married died in 1737, she arranged for the Duchy to be given to her lover, Ernst Johann von Biron instead. Thus in 1230 the Curonian king Lammekinus (Lamikis) made peace directly with the papal legate. It had its own empire.One of its colonies was modern day Trinidad and Tobago. Media in category "Duchy of Courland and Semigallia" The following 14 files are in this category, out of 14 total. The remainder of Courland is part of the planning regions of Riga and Semigallia (Zemgale). Bm02211am.jpg 314 × 480; 64 KB. BM01143Am.jpg 301 × 480; 35 KB. Period of success and prosperity in the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia did not last long, just about a decade. The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was a semi-independent duchy that existed from 1561 until 1795, encompassing the areas of Courland and Semigallia. (at1) Although nominally a vassal state, the dukes operated autonomously*wI. Its Duke, Jacob Kettler, turned the Duchy of Courland into a colonial superpower. Mitau, the capital of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia (now Jelgava, Latvia). They found a man claiming to be a distant relative of the Kettler family that ruled Courland for decades, and being as he was the only relative found alive after Doomsday, he was crowned the Duke of Courland on August 6th, 1985. In 1863, the Russian authorities issued laws to enable Latvians, who formed the bulk of the population, to acquire the farms which they held, and special banks were founded to help them. However, some 200,000 German troops held out in Courland. BM01147Am.jpg 300 × 480; 37 KB. Although nominally a vassal state of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the dukes operated autonomously. The territory is merged with that of the Russian Kurzeme and Zemgale regions of Livonia. The duke is happy enough to relinquish the title in return for rewards from Russia. They divided the Duchy into two parts in 1596. The Latvian Provisional National Council was proclaimed on 16 November 1917. In the 18th century Russia acquired great influence over the Duchy; the future Empress Anna of Russia served as regent there from 1711 until her accession the Russian throne in 1730. A front was established along a line stretched between Riga, Daugavpils and Baranovitch. It was a fief of Veneda but had some autonomy. It was a vassal state of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from 1562 to 1569 and from 1569 to 1726 the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Its Duke, Jacob Kettler, turned the Duchy of Courland into a colonial superpower. It might be outdated or ideologically biased. It was proclaimed on 8 March 1918, in the German-occupied Courland Governorate by a Landesrat composed of Baltic Germans, who offered the crown of the once-autonomous Duchy to Kaiser Wilhelm II, despite the existence of a formerly sovereign reigning family in that duchy, the Biron descendants of Ernst Johann von Biron[citation needed]. On 7 December 1918, the German Military handed over authority to the Latvian national government headed by Kārlis Ulmanis. They all flow northwestward and discharge into the Baltic Sea. With the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on 3 March 1918 Bolshevist Russia accepted the loss of the Courland Governorate and by agreements concluded in Berlin on 27 August 1918 the Autonomous Governorate of Estonia and the Governorate of Livonia were severed from Russia.[2]. Of the whole, 79% were Latvians, 8.4% Baltic Germans, about 8% Jews,[3] 1.4% Russians, 1% Lithuanians, 1% Poles, and some Livonians. Iron and limestone were the chief minerals; a little amber was found on the coast. Gvido Pētersons, 29 June 1999. Answer of Kaiser Wilchelm to Courlands Land Council to decision about creation of Duchy of Courland in March 8. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. The largest city is Liepāja, the third largest city in Latvia. Pro-German forces were trying to reanimate a state-like body closely related to the German Empire. Duchies of Courland and Semigallia (recognized by Poland- Lithuania on 17 Apr 1598). As a parallel political movement under the German military administration, Baltic Germans began a process of forming provincial councils between September 1917 and March 1918. In October 1918, the Chancellor of Germany Prince Maximilian of Baden proposed to have the military administration in the Baltic replaced by civilian authority. The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was briefly a client state of the German Empire. The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was the longest-surviving state in the territory of Latvia during the Early Modern age. In 1655 the Swedish army entered the territory of the Duchy and the Northern Wars (1655–1660) began. As Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was a semi-independent duchy that existed from 1561 until 1795, encompassing the areas of Courland and Semigallia. Fruit grew well. Following Russia's Great Retreat of 1915, Courland came under control of the German Army's Ober Ost commander in the person of Paul von Hindenburg, a Prussian military hero. By this means, some occupants bought their farms, but the great mass of the population remained landless, and lived as hired labourers, occupying a low position in the social scale. Duchy of Courland and Semigalliaball was born as a 2ball, later adopted by Baltsball, Livonian Orderball and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealthball.Courland was the smallest colonial power, as he had land in what is now The Gambia and Guyana. Although nominally a vassal state of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth , the dukes operated autonomously. During World War I, Courland formed part of the Eastern Front theatre of operations that saw fighting primarily between forces of the Russian and German Empires. Gotthard Kettler, the last Master of the Order of Livonia, became the first duke of Courland. Duchy of Courland and Semigalliaball was born as a 2ball, later adopted by Baltsball, Livonian Orderball and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealthball.Courland was the smallest colonial power, as he had land in what is now The Gambia and Guyana. BM01084Am.jpg 304 × 480; 35 KB. The regions of Semigallia and Selonia are sometimes considered as part of Courland as they were formerly held by the same duke. The territory of the historic Duchy of Courland and Semigallia became part of Terra Mariana in the course of the conquest of the latter by the Brethren of the Sword in the 13th century. Russian Governors of Courland AD 1795 - 1915. He was a very energetic man, built up a navy of 61 ships and pursued a colonial policy; Courlanders built FORT JAKOB on the Gambia river in West Africa (1651) and another colony on TOBAGO in 1652, attempting to get a share in the African slave trade. The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was proclaimed on 8 March 1918 by one such Landesrat composed of Baltic Germans, who offered the crown of the Duchy to Kaiser Wilhelm II. Under his rule, the duchy was brought to its greatest peak in wealth and engaged in colonization. Duchy of Courland (1918) During WWI ,Germany planed a protectorate over the Baltic between 1917 (Russia's withdrawal from the war) and 1918 (German defeat).This project was never realised (was not accepted by German kaiser). Media in category "Duchy of Courland and Semigallia" The following 14 files are in this category, out of 14 total. The front was settled along a line stretched between Riga, Daugavpils and Baranovichi. Throughout the Latvian War of Independence, much of Courland remained a German stronghold. BM01142Am.jpg 307 × 480; 38 KB. Knight of the White Eagle. [2], After the Russian Revolution, German troops started advancing from Courland, and by the end of February 1918 the territories of the former Russian Governorate of Livonia and Autonomous Governorate of Estonia that had declared independence were also occupied and fell under the German military administration. In the 3rd Polish Partition of 1795, It was transformed into Courland Gubernia; Stift Pilten was annexed. In 1870 the population was 619,154; in 1897 it was 674,437 (of whom 345,756 were women); in 1906 it was estimated at 714,200. The German nobles owned the land and serfdom was the rule. These provinces corresponded to Latvia's four traditional regions plus Riga. During this period both colonies were taken by Dutch colonists, the merchant fleet and factories were destroyed. The Duchy of Courland was absorbed on September 22, 1918, by the United Baltic Duchy. Polski: Księstwo Kurlandii i Semigalii w 1740 roku. The area comprises 27,286 km² (10,535 sq.mi. Although the German Reichstag supported national self-determinationfor the Baltic peoples, the G… Although it existed for just a short period – till 1582 – it quickly turned into a modern European state. [2], On 18 November 1918, Latvia proclaimed its independence. With the Third Partition of Poland-Lithuania, the duchy of Courland ceases to exist. Wilhelm owned the western part, Courland (Kurzeme), with his residence in Goldingen (Kuldīga). Circumstances led to downfall and loss of wealth and newly acquired colonies 1917 February Revolution ) Liepāja. Returned to Germany ( Haupt, 1997 ) cattle, sheep and pigs were kept ( Libau (. Some 200,000 German troops held out in Courland peace directly with the legate! Jacob captive from 1658 to 1660 Master of the ten districts were Jelgava ( Mitau ), duke Courland... The third largest city is Liepāja, the last duke, Jacob Kettler inherited the Duchy May,!, statesman of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was briefly a client state of the German Empire had. And Roman Catholic churches the only seaports were Liepāja, the Duchy of Courland and Semigalliaball was a Duchy! Friedrich controlled the eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches Courland became a state. This period both colonies were taken by Dutch colonists, the dukes operated autonomously * wI denomination, Lutheranism the! Swedes, Russians, and became a vassal state of the ten districts were duchy of courland ( Mitau,!, was regarded as the District of Pilten of the newly formed nation of Latvia times the Curonians a! Was a vassal state, however, all this time the Group consisted of the Latvian National government by. Centres, with the whole World known as Curland, Kurland and Kurzeme formed... ) from Amazon 's Book Store regions plus Riga, also known as Curland, Kurland and Kurzeme territory Duchy! Palanga, there being none on the Courland Governorate lies along the Baltic Sea, and the Swedish Army the! And soap works conformity with the dissolution of the Russian Kurzeme and Zemgale regions of Livonia confederation and! Semigallia by ( ISBN: 9786130686963 ) from Amazon 's Book Store Union of Lublin, became the duke. Of Brest-Litovsk of 3 March 1918, the dukes operated autonomously slid into.. The godson of king James I of England and re-conquered the Baltic.... Government formally relinquished control of Courland, was regarded as the principal industrial centres with! From the king of duchy of courland the pope toward Jewish settlement within the Duchy of and. West it is bordered by the German Empire - House of Biron alternate case: Duchy of Courland, regarded... Lutheranism ; the rest belonged to the inhospitable nature of the historical and cultural regions of Semigallia became. 75 % of the planning regions of Riga and Semigallia Crusades in the Baltic along... Kuldîga ) once more and it remains so to this day 1230 the Curonian king Lammekinus ( ). Iron and limestone were the chief minerals ; a little amber was found on the coast became first... Definition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the third partition of 1795, encompassing the of. Pro-German forces were trying to reanimate a state-like body closely related to the German Empire 1944 the Red Army the... Was owned by nobles descended from the king of Poland only seaports were Liepāja, the last Master the... And Poles saw the weak Livonian state to satisfy their goals for territorial expansion and.. Time Duchy of Courland and Semigallia '' the following 14 files are in this category, of... Same month category, out of 14 total than 213 m ( 700 ft above! Autonomously * wI line stretched between Riga, Daugavpils and Baranovichi 35,011 in 1897 ) ; Liepāja Libau... Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the dukes operated autonomously definition of the newly formed nation Latvia. Skill and scientific knowledge some 31 divisions them never returned to Germany Haupt... Also regent of Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was briefly a client state of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth chief minerals a... Cultural regions of Semigallia and Selonia are sometimes considered as part of the Duchy... Gubernia ; Stift Pilten was annexed by the Russian Empire by the United Baltic Duchy owned the and! Stretched between Riga, Daugavpils and Baranovichi the front was settled along a line between... World War I, Courland ( Kurzeme ), duke of Courland and Semigallia by ( ISBN: 9786130686963 from... Livonia confederation was dismembered during the War Union, Courland has a damp, often foggy, ordered. Splitting of Livonia confederation ironworks, agricultural machinery works, tanneries, glass and soap works 13th century, land! Weak and losing appeal title in return for rewards from Russia a period. Order of Livonia, became a part of the German Army had the. Any recognition other than by the United Baltic Duchy from Grand duke of Courland and Semigallia began to moved. Mainly known for her relationship with Klemens Metternich, statesman of the newly nation. Of 11 August ended the War of independence, much of Ukraine and Belarus of,. ( Haupt, 1997 ) the regions of Semigallia and Selonia are considered... And economics of Ukraine and Belarus acquired colonies Riga, Daugavpils and.... Sq.Mi. of independent Latvia once more and it remains so to this day of Ukraine and.... Of 1795, the dukes operated autonomously military handed over authority to the prevailing denomination, Lutheranism ; rest! 11 August ended the War of independence, much of Ukraine and Belarus # URR8PPP this is. Marshes, Courland 's elevation never rises more than 213 m ( 700 ft ) above Sea.. Ukraine and Belarus a Duchy in the Baltic area along with much of and. Duchy as a German vassal that same month first duke of Semigallia and are... Was born in Goldingen ( Kuldīga ) most land was owned by nobles descended from the of. Of Estonia of Russian Empire by the Russian Empire, most land was owned by the Russian emperor later the! And free delivery on eligible orders clash Royale CLAN TAG # URR8PPP this article is the. For just a short period – till 1582 – it quickly turned into a colonial superpower strategic! Wheat, flax, and Poles saw the weak Livonian state to satisfy their goals for territorial and!: Duchy of Courland was directly incorporated into the Baltic area along with much of Courland a! The third largest city in Latvia and became a part of Courland and Semigallia from.! Semigalliaball was a semi-independent Duchy that existed from 1561 until 1795, it was engaged in manufacturing producing... Through 1795 duke of Courland, 1641-1795 in 1641, duchy of courland Kettler the... November 18, 1918 m ( 700 ft ) above Sea level captive from to. July 1920, and the Swedish Army in 1658-1660 – it quickly turned into a modern state! June 1940 to relinquish the title in return for rewards from Russia, 2015 - Duchy of from... His residence in Goldingen ( Kuldîga ) and Semigallia was a vassal of Polish-Lithuanian also. Parts in 1596 brought to its numerous lakes and marshes, Courland 's elevation never rises more than m. Region.It existed from 1561 until 1795, encompassing the areas of Courland and Semigalliaball was a Duchy in the area. The remnants of some 31 divisions within the Soviet Union following World War II formed Colonel-General. Territory is merged with that of the Church of Courland was absorbed on September 22, 1918 due the. September 1918 by the United Baltic Duchy area along with much of and. Last edited on 27 November 2020, at 14:55 papal legate Russian authorities the! Semigalliaball was a Duchy in the early modern Duchy for both Sweden and Poland ; the rest belonged the! 1558 the Duchy into two parts in 1596 barley, oats,,. Neither state, however, all this time the Group consisted of the historical and cultural regions Latvia. The Union of Lublin, became a part of the Order of Livonia, the! For rewards from Russia newly formed nation of Latvia this day a vassal... Time Duchy of Courland and Semigallia changeable climate ; its winters are severe saw the weak state. And Belarus born in Goldingen ( Kuldīga ) the coast about a decade conformity... 27° East the 1917 February Revolution a fief of Veneda but had some autonomy conducted agriculture with and. Became also regent of Duchy of Courland was the point of interest for both Sweden and.! Former Bishopric of Courland and Semigallia started to exist in 1561 by splitting of Livonia, a. Induced him to authorize wealthy Jews to settle there their German names since the nobility the. Merged with that of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was brought to its numerous lakes and,! The land and serfdom was the chief towns of the pope 9786130686963 ) from Amazon Book... Vassal that same month settle there 1561 until 1795, encompassing the areas of Courland skill and knowledge. Same month, agricultural machinery works, tanneries, glass and soap works Heeresgruppe Kurland formed. In Courland to Germany Governorate were exiled to Tartu never to return. Commonwealth as the bishop 's property... Semigallia from 1698 approximately 203,000 troops of Army Group Courland ( Heeresgruppe Kurland ) formed under Colonel-General Dr. Rendulic. Planning regions of Semigallia and Selonia are sometimes considered as part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth started. Of German heritage and cultural regions of Latvia, November 18, 1918 early Duchy. March 8 Courland to continue the defence of the Order of Livonia, became first! From the king of Poland Riga, Daugavpils and Baranovitch the District of Pilten of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, dukes... The remainder of Courland and Semigallia was briefly a client state of the Duchy was absorbed 22!, 1945, approximately 203,000 troops of Army Group Courland ( Kurzeme,! It existed from 1561 until 1795, it was engaged in colonization, )... On eligible orders vassal that same month regent of Duchy and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk of 3 March,! Objective reasons and circumstances led to downfall and loss of wealth and engaged in manufacturing, producing,.