Oldenburg (state)

Oldenburg was a state in northwestern Germany. Its origins can be traced back to the County of Oldenburg, which existed from the 12th century. Over time, the county expanded and became a Duchy in 1774 and later, in 1815, the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg following the Congress of Vienna.

The Grand Duchy of Oldenburg encompassed a somewhat fragmented territory, comprising Oldenburg proper (also known as Oldenburg Land), the Principality of Lübeck (around Eutin), and the Principality of Birkenfeld (located in present-day Rhineland-Palatinate). This geographic dispersion presented administrative challenges.

The ruling family was the House of Oldenburg, which also provided monarchs for Denmark, Norway, and Greece at various points in history. The Grand Duchy maintained a constitution and a parliament (Landtag).

In the aftermath of World War I, the German monarchies were abolished. In 1918, the Grand Duke of Oldenburg abdicated, and Oldenburg became a Free State within the Weimar Republic.

During the Nazi era, Oldenburg was subjected to Gleichschaltung (coordination) policies, and its autonomy was significantly reduced.

After World War II, Oldenburg was initially part of the British occupation zone. In 1946, the Free State of Oldenburg was merged with the states of Hanover, Brunswick, and Schaumburg-Lippe to form the new state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen). The historical region of Oldenburg, however, continues to exist as a distinct cultural area within Lower Saxony.