1860s Hanoverian

During the Austro-Prussian War, Hanover attempted to maintain a neutral position, along with some other member states of the German Confederation. However, Hanover's vote in favour of the mobilisation of Confederation troops against Prussia on 14 June 1866 prompted Prussia to declare war. George V fled Hanover, managing to raise forces loyal to him in the Netherlands, called the Guelphic Legion, but they were eventually disbanded in 1870. Nevertheless, George refused to accept the Prussian takeover of his realm and claimed he was still the legitimate king of Hanover. The outcome of the war led to the dissolution of Hanover as an independent kingdom and it was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia, becoming the Prussian Province of Hanover. Along with the rest of Prussia, it became part of the German Empire in 1871.