The Little-Known Liechtenstein

by

Andy White

Descriptive Abstract
The history of Liechtenstein, combined with its form of government, a constitutional hereditary monarchy can explain its geographic size. It was one of the several principalities of the Holy Roman Empire, which has survived to this day. Because it retained its royal family, political support is high. Its royal family brings a sense of individualism and national pride to a small nation which otherwise would have little reason for being sovereign.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Explanation of the Applicable National Standards for Geography
History of Liechtenstein
    From Earliest Times to Holy Roman Empire
    Napoleonic Liechtenstein to Complete Independence
    Recent History
Liechtenstein's Cultural Geography
Interview with Head of State
Liechtenstein's Royal Family
Conclusion
Works Cited
Maps

Introduction

Liechtenstein's current position has been largely shaped by its history and geography. From a Roman outpost to a principality under the Holy Roman Empire, to a hereditary constitutional monarchy, this small state has been affected by the changing of its sovereigns, which had been primarily based on its geographical location along the upper Rhine. This tiny principality has reacted to its history and geography. The prince is a very important part of national identity. It is something which sets the Liechtensteiners apart from its neighbors. Even though Liechtenstein depends on Switzerland for most of its needs, Liechtenstein's constitutional monarchy is an area of loyalty.
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Explanation of the Applicable National Standards for Geography

This paper contains several applicable national standards for geography. Liechtenstein's position in the Alps and on the Rhine apply to analyzing the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earth's surface. Because of the modern trend of globalization, and consolidation, many people have never heard of Liechtenstein. This applies to how culture and experience influence people's perceptions of places and regions. Liechtenstein's diminutive size can be applied in using geography to interpret the past, to interpret the present, and plan for the future.
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History of Liechtenstein

From Earliest Times to Holy Roman Empire

Liechtenstein has had an extensive past. Sovereignty has changed hands several times, but the nation now known as The Principality of Liechtenstein has been in full existence since 1866 (1). Scholars have found that there was a settlement there in the Neolithic age. Later, starting in 800 BC the Rhaetians began to colonize the area. In 15 BC the Romans conquered the area, and later set up Schaan Castle to protect the alpine passes from attacks from the Germanic peoples (1). Its position on the Rhine and close to the Danube was close to the borders of the Roman Empire. Situated between the Roman Empire and the "uncivilized" Germanic tribes, it was an important area. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the province of Lower Rhaetia found itself in the German Dukedom. In 800 Charlemagne became the leader of much of Western Europe, namely modern-day France, Germany, Italy, and all the countries in between them. After Charlemagne's death, his empire was split among his three sons, Charles, Lothair, and Louis. Lothair inherited the area from the mouth of the Rhine to Corsica, and to Rome. After Lothair died, "A confused and confusing period of history followed, in which the middle kingdom fell into pieces, as it was bound to do sooner or later" (2, p.15). The French and the Germans fought back and forth for this "middle land." As a result, many regions have been traded amongst the French and the Germans, and some tiny nations have emerged, perhaps as an effort to separate themselves from either France and Germany. This is visible today in that Switzerland and Liechtenstein are neutral states. It can be interpreted that these nations on the upper Rhine wish to be left alone, and not to be fought over like the areas on the middle and lower Rhine have been. Because of their small size, defenses, and the many possible shifts of balance of power, they feel it is in their best interests to remain neutral. "Charlemagne's successors were . . . incompetent kings, who were unable to enforce their sovereignty. As a result the Duke who ruled Rhaetia was left without royal support and the representatives of the Church - the Bishop of Chur and the Abbot of Disentis - as well as former royal officials, were able to avail themselves of an increasing number of imperial rights" (3). From the country of Lower Rhaetia emerged the two domains of Vaduz and Schellenberg (1). In 1699 Prince Johann Adam Andreas of Liechtenstein buys the Lordship of Schellenberg. In 1712 he purchases the County of Vaduz (4). On January 23, 1719 "Kaiser Karl VI decreed that the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg be promoted to a principality with the name Liechtenstein . . ." (1). At this time, however Liechtenstein, like all the other small German principalities, was still under the Kaiser's rule.
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Napoleonic Liechtenstein to Complete Independence

When Napoleon defeated the Holy Roman Empire, Liechtenstein was placed in the Confederation of the Rhine. This confederation was " . . . a union of 16 regions of the German Reich that recognized him as their protector" (1). After Napoleon had been defeated, a new confederation was set up. In 1815 the German Confederation was formed at the Congress of Vienna. "The plan, as adopted, provided for a Bund or Confederation of thirty-nine autonomous States, of which Austria was to have a permanent primacy" (2, p.80). This was a uniting force which had not been present in Napoleon's Confederation of the Rhine. "Napoleon deliberately left out [Prussia and Austria], because he wanted to prevent the union of Germany, whereas the men who came together at Vienna were primarily concerned, or so they pretended, to secure that union" (2, p.80). However, this did not bring unification. The rulers of the smaller states "wished to preserve their identity" (2, p.81). Even King Frederick William " . . . was unwilling to sink Prussia in a reconstructed Germany in 1815" (2, p.81). The rise of nationalism promoted independence rather than unity. The leader of Prussia was opposed to this new confederation, and Metternich, the primary presider of the Congress of Vienna, an Austrian, " . . . was opposed to the idea of a compact United States of Germany. Metternich saw clearly enough that a close union with Germany, . . . would spell the end of the Hapsburg Empire" (2, p.82). Metternich saw the existence of Austria, which at the time was quite extensive, as necessary for " . . . the preservation of the European balance of power and peace; and anything which upset that balance or diminished the influence or prestige of Austria was to be opposed in the interests not merely of Austria itself but of Europe as well" (2, p.82). Both Prussia and Austria wished to exercise power over this disjointed union of German states. There were several outbreaks, small revolutions, and even restorations of the Confederation. Bismarck was gaining power in Prussia, and was becoming a prominent force. In 1863 the "Austrian scheme for reform of the Confederation was defeated by Bismarck"
(2, p.241). When Prussia and Austria eventually went to war, the Confederation was dissolved. In 1866 Liechtenstein finally had been separated from the German empire (1). Whereas other regions such as Bavaria, and Baden-Wrtemmberg, and Hesse eventually joined the new German Empire, the Second Reich, Liechtenstein remained independent. Perhaps it did not seem favorable for a nation to take sides, when it lay between two warring nations. Even though Liechtenstein enjoyed all the benefits of independence, it was able to also enjoy benefits of dependence from its neighbors.
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Recent History

An interesting fact is that there " . . . has not been an army in Liechtenstein since 1868" (1). Although Liechtenstein is an independent state, it is still dependent on its neighbors for many things. "From 1852 to 1919, a customs agreement existed between Liechtenstein and the Dual Monarchy Austria-Hungary" (1). After the great shrinking in size and power, and the ultimate defeat of Austria after World War I, Liechtenstein turned to Switzerland. "In 1924 Liechtenstein conducted a customs treaty with Switzerland and has since then been part of the Customs Union and the corresponding economic territory of Switzerland" (5). "Defense is a responsibility of Switzerland" (6). Liechtenstein is " . . . linked to Swiss networks by cable and radio relay for international telephone, radio, and TV services" (6). Even the national currency is the Swiss Franc (5). Liechtenstein's railroads are "owned, operated, and included in statistics of Austrian Federal Railways" (6). Perhaps Liechtenstein is neutral because it is so small, it can't afford to take sides, or maybe it is neutral because it doesn't even have a military force. Defense is a responsibility of Switzerland. Since Switzerland has been historically neutral, Liechtenstein is therefore bound by its neighbor to the west to be neutral as well. Liechtenstein is politically independent, but in many ways economically, and culturally dependent on its neighbors. "The labor force is 19,905, of which 11,933 are foreigners. 6,885 commute from Austria and Switzerland to work each day" (6). Liechtenstein is even dependent on its neighbors' work force. Judging by these statistics, Liechtenstein's work force contains only 1087 Liechtensteiners. One must ask oneself, how such a small nation can sustain itself. How can there be any sense of national pride, when foreigners are the main work force? How can it be that the people are still independent, when it appears that they would have much more advantages by being part of a larger country? Where does it get its identity?
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Liechtenstein's Cultural Geography

Liechtenstein's total area is 160 km2 (62 square miles). The Rhine valley covers one third of the nation's area, and the Alps cover the rest. The population is 28,642 as of July, 1992 (6). "Liechtenstein is the world's fourth smallest state" (4). That makes its area equal to that of 1/8 of Houston, Texas. The population of Abilene, Texas is 3.7 times greater, which is roughly equivalent to the population at the University of Texas at Arlington. This concept is certainly difficult to understand for those living in large states. How can such a tiny area have any sense of nationalism? How can it feel independent? How can it be competitive in the global market? Geography certainly plays an important role in Liechtenstein. The global village is slowly becoming a reality. No longer can mere mountains isolate a nation. This is evident because Liechtenstein has political independence, but economical, cultural, and military dependence on its neighbors. All of these factors cause one to consider whether Liechtenstein seriously intends to be independent. If it were annexed into Switzerland, the only serious changes would be to the political system. Everything else would remain the same, because Liechtenstein has made itself dependent on Switzerland for its economy, culture, and military. The fact that there is a royal family may very well be the sole reason for its independence. Without a prince, the people of Liechtenstein would have virtually no rallying point, no identity. It is the royalty which gives Liechtenstein its solidarity, its distinction, its unity. It is the force behind which the nation stands. They have to preserve their identity and their culture. If they were ever to do away with their prince, they would lose what little is truly of Liechtenstein's culture. It is a part of heritage, and essential to identity. Nationalism has taken a form different from the usual. It is highly doubtful that this brand of nationalism is the kind in which a nation is fiercely loyal to itself, while at the same time militantly against all the other nations. Liechtenstein simply does not have the resources to be militant. It did not go to war over its independence. It has had no military force for more than one hundred years. Instead of a militant attitude toward other nations, they take pride in their principality. Although many areas of their lives are affected by the dominant culture of Switzerland and Austria, their government is relatively unaffected. Women were not allowed to vote until 1984. Even though Liechtenstein may quickly rely on economical and military support from its neighbors, it wishes to remain loyal to its prince, and is thus politically conservative.
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Interview with Head of State

In a special interview, the head of state, Prince Hans-Adam II explained Liechtenstein's situation. He was asked to explain the support of the monarchy of his nation. He responded
We live in a century in which the world has experienced dramatic and rapid changes, and therefore public opinion can change at short notice. Nevertheless, I don't think that in the foreseeable future the majority of the population wants to turn . . . Liechtenstein into a republic. (7)
The hypothesis of this paper is proven when Prince Hans-Adam II was asked whether he was concerned the monarchy would become obsolete. He responded "It is always difficult to make long-term forecasts in a world which is changing rapidly. If I look into the past I can only say that this state would not exist if it had been a republic" (7). The monarchy is very important to Liechtenstein's solidarity, culture, tradition, history, and identity. Without it, even the Prince agrees that it would probably not have survived to today. The people support the monarchy widely, partly because of that fact that " . . . all the expenses of the Reigning Prince are paid by himself and not by the state. Over the centuries, the Reigning Prince has also used part of his private income to support all kinds of projects in the Principality and sometimes even the state budget" (7). The Prince was also asked whether there was concern that the principality's close links with Switzerland may leave it increasingly isolated in a Europe that is ever more united. He responded by mentioning that Liechtenstein is member of the EEA (the European Economic Area, Europisches Wirtschaftsraum), whereas Switzerland is not. He noted that membership in the EEA is more desirable than in the EU " . . . for such a small state as Liechtenstein" (7). When asked about Liechtenstein's future, he stated "In the long term, we can only live in Liechtenstein in peace, freedom and prosperity if the rest of the world does so too" (7). If there were to be a major shift in the balance of power in Europe, which is becoming ever more decentralized, Liechtenstein would certainly have much of which to be wary. As noted earlier, Liechtenstein has made efforts to join many global organizations, unlike its western neighbor Switzerland. Liechtenstein gained membership in the international court in The Hague in 1950. In 1960 Liechtenstein began participation in the European Free Trade Association, and in 1991 gained full membership. In 1990 Liechtenstein joined the United Nations Organization, and in 1995 Liechtenstein gained membership in the European Economic Area, and in the World Trade Organization (8).
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Liechtenstein's Royal Family

The history of Liechtenstein's royal family is also quite extensive. The house stems from one of the oldest Austrian noble families. The first mention of the name Liechtenstein goes back to 1136 with Hugo von Liechtenstein, who had named himself after the Liechtenstein Fort south of Vienna. Hugo von Liechtenstein and later Albrecht von Liechtenstein owned property south of Vienna, and probably claimed land up to the northeast border of Lower Austria. In the year 1249, Heinrich von Liechtenstein freely obtained, of his own initiative, control of Nikolsburg in southern Moravia. This was an acquisition of great political importance because this resulted in the family's obtainment of notable possession in the area during Wenceslas' reign. In 1394, when Johann von Liechtenstein, who was the court tutor of the Hapsburger duke Albrecht III, after he had led the government for the duke for almost thirty years, together with his family lost all possessions of the family south of the Donau. In the following decades the family endeavored through new acquisitions to strengthen the lower Austrian possession. On the contrary, more attention was given to further extending the south Moravian dominion. In the thirteenth century the family divided into three branches. Only one of these three, the Liechtensteiner branch, managed to not die out in the next generation. Later, in 1504 the Liechtensteiner line divided into three branches. After several generations, again only one branch managed to survive. However, this time precautions had been taken to give the property from dying branches to the surviving ones (9). The history of the royal family is certainly extensive, and reveals Liechtenstein's roots. What had started out south of Vienna has now moved all the way to Rhine. Prince Johann Adam I bought Schellenberg in 1699 and Vaduz in 1712. Shortly thereafter Liechtenstein had been officially recognized as a German principality. Only in 1938 was the royal residence moved to Vaduz by Prince Franz Josef II, the father of the current prince Hans-Adam II. Prince Hans-Adam II reorganized the family's possession. Before the death of his father, he overtook the position of succession as acting ruler (9). Prince Hans-Adam II is, however, only the chief of state, not absolute monarch. Liechtenstein's form of government is "constitutional hereditary monarchy upon democratic and parliamentary basis" (4). The head of government is Dr. Mario Frick (4).
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Conclusion

Liechtenstein offers a glimpse into what may appear to be a fantastical world. It has the best of both the old world and the new. It is a monarchy, but it has a constitution. It is independent, but able to rely on its neutral neighbor for military support, among other things such as economic currency, and telecommunication networks. Whereas in most other western nations, the idea of a prince having some authority, and of entrusting defense to a neutral neighbor, may seem like navit, overconfidence and quixoticism, Liechtenstein has indeed survived a long history, influenced and marked by the Rhaetians, Romans, Germans, Austrians, Moravians, and more recently the Swiss. This almost larger-than-life nation perhaps owes much of its existence to its charm and appeal. Many have the image of a peaceful, tranquil alpine village with cowbells and lush green meadows when Liechtenstein is mentioned. Its royalty has preserved its heritage and solidarity.
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Works Cited

1. Newsnet. "History of Liechtenstein." 1996. http://www.newsnet.li/tourist/fl/eng/fleng4.htm (8 Feb. 1998).

2. Davies, J. S. From Charlemagne to Hitler: A Political History of Germany. New York: Barnes & Noble Press, 1994.

3. "Graubnden Geschichte Seiner Kreise." 1998. http://www.mindspring.com/~philipp/gr_grau.html
(9 Apr. 1998).

4. Pawlitzek, Ren. "Principality of Liechtenstein." 1997. http://hkreuzer.phys.dal.ca/fl.htm (8 Feb. 1998).

5. "Liechtenstein." 1997. http://www.fnd.cz/liecht2.htm (8 Feb. 1998).

6. "Liechtenstein." Factbook92. 1992. http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/doc/world/Factbook92/Countries/liechtenstein . (8 Feb. 1998).

7. "Liechtenstein: A European Success Story." 1996. http://kenpubs.co.uk/worldstatesman/Archive/hans-adam.html
(14 Apr. 1998).

8. "Geschichte des Frstentums Liechtenstein." 1997. http://www.firstlink.li/regierung/jahreszahlen.htm (14 Apr. 1998).

9. "Das Haus Liechtenstein." 1997. http://www.firstlink.li/fuerst/haus_liecht_stein.htm (14 Apr. 1998).

10. University of Texas at Austin. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/PCL/ Map_Collection/europe/Liechtenstein.jpg (8 Feb. 1998).

11. "Liechtenstein." http://fotw.digibel.be/flags/li.html (16 Apr. 1998)

12. "Liechtenstein Online." http://www.lol.li/INTERNATIONAL/e/tourm.html (16 Apr. 1998)
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Maps
Map of Liechtenstein from http://hkreuzer.phys.dal.ca/fl.htm (16 Apr. 1998)
Interactive map of Liechtenstein from http://www.lol.li/INTERNATIONAL/e/tourm.html (16 Apr. 1998)

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Andy White
16 April 1998

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