French occupation authorities also allow many smaller…
1684 CE to 1827 CE
French occupation authorities also allow many smaller states, ecclesiastical entities, and free cities to be incorporated into their larger neighbors.
Approximately three hundred states had existed within the Holy Roman Empire in 1789; only about forty remain by 1814.
The empire ceases to exist in 1806 when Francis II of Austria gives up his imperial title.
In its place, Napoleon creates the Confederation of the Rhine, made up of the states of western and southern Germany, under French direction.
Austria and Prussia are not members.
The confederation is to provide Napoleon with troops for his military campaigns.
After his defeat, the confederation is dissolved.