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Detailed map of northwestern Germany, published in London by James Wyld.

The map delineates the borders and administrative divisions within northwestern Germany, focusing on the Kingdom of Hanover and its surrounding territories. Various regions are color-coded, corresponding to the map's legend, which includes the Kingdom of Hanover, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Duchy of Brunswick, Principalities of Lippe Detmold and Schaumburg Lippe, and the Free Cities of Bremen, Hamburg, and Lübeck. Each region’s boundary is marked in a distinctive color, aiding in the clear identification of territories.

The legend, located at the bottom right, details the color scheme:

• Kingdom of Hanover: Pink
• Grand Duchy of Oldenburg: Yellow
• Duchy of Brunswick: Light Green
• Principality of Lippe Detmold: Blue
• Principality of Schaumburg Lippe: Yellow
• Territory of Bremen: Light Blue
• Free Cities of Hamburg and Lübeck: Green for common lands, with individual areas marked.

The first half of the 19th century was a period of significant geopolitical change in northwestern Germany, largely influenced by the complex interplay of power among the German states and the major European powers. Following the Napoleonic Wars, the Congress of Vienna in 1815 restructured the German territories. The Kingdom of Hanover, previously an electorate within the Holy Roman Empire, was elevated to the status of a kingdom. This elevation reflected British influence, as Hanover was then in a personal union with the British crown under King George III and his successors. However, Hanover's connection to Britain would end in 1837 when Queen Victoria ascended the British throne. Due to the Salic Law, which barred women from inheriting Hanover's throne, the two crowns separated, and Hanover became independent under King Ernest Augustus I.

In addition to Hanover, the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Duchy of Brunswick, and various principalities such as Lippe Detmold and Schaumburg Lippe were navigating new political realities within the German Confederation, established in 1815 as a loose association of German-speaking states. This confederation aimed to maintain regional stability and resist outside interference, particularly from France. The territories included on the map were relatively small and lacked the centralized power seen in Prussia or Austria, but they held strategic and economic significance, particularly with their proximity to important trade routes and the North Sea.

The Free Cities of Bremen, Hamburg, and Lübeck were notable members of the Hanseatic League, a medieval commercial and defensive confederation. By the 19th century, these cities retained a degree of autonomy within the German Confederation, continuing to serve as vital trading ports that connected Germany to broader European and global markets. The map's inclusion of these free cities underscores their continued economic importance during this era.