Culture

History

Pre 20c

The city of Hanover was founded around 1100 and in the twelfth century became the residence of the powerful prince Heinrich der Löwe (Henry the Lion), Duke of Saxony and Bavaria. Hanover prospered as a member of the Hanseatic League, a major trading alliance among northern European cites in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. By the time of the Reformation, in the sixteenth century, Hanover had developed into a wealthy, independent kingdom.

In 1714, without much effort of their own, the kings of Hanover became kings of Great Britain. The British were determined not to have the catholic Prince Charles on the throne, and so they searched for a protestant heir and found George of Hanover. George didn't speak much English, but he was distantly related to the English royal house. The rulers of Hanover were simultaneously kings of Britain until 1837, when William IV died and left Princess Victoria as his heir. Hanover still kept an old law that only men could become monarch, so Victoria's uncle got Hanover, and she had to be content with just Britain and its Empire.

Modern History

In 1943, up to 80% of the centre and 50% of the entire city was destroyed by Allied bombing. The rebuilding plan included creating sections of reconstructed half-timbered houses and painstakingly rebuilding the city's pre-war gems, such as the Opernhaus (Opera House), the Marktkirche and the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall).

Recent History

A few years ago, Hanover was hoping be at the centre of world attention as the host of the biggest technology and science fair ever held: 'Expo 2000.' However, only 18 million visitors turned up – less than half the number expected. Despite this, announcements at the Hauptbahnhof continued welcome visitors to 'Hanover, the Expo City' for several years after the event. Being one of the 12 German host cities for the FIFA Football World Cup in 2006 will at least give the city something new to boast about.