Convention of Artlenburg facts for kids
The Convention of Artlenburg, also known as the Elbe Convention, was an agreement where the region of Hanover gave up to Napoleon's army. It was signed in a place called Artlenburg on July 5, 1803. A military leader named Johann Ludwig von Wallmoden-Gimborn signed it for Hanover. This agreement meant that Hanover was no longer an independent state and French soldiers would take control of it.
What Was the Convention of Artlenburg?
This agreement was a big moment during the Napoleonic Wars. It showed how powerful Napoleon's army was. The Convention of Artlenburg ended the independence of Hanover.
Why Did Hanover Surrender?
Before the Convention, Napoleon's soldiers, led by General Édouard Adolphe Casimir Joseph Mortier, marched into Hanover. They took over the capital city of Hanover on June 4, 1803.
The remaining soldiers from Hanover moved north. They went across the Elbe river into a place called the Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg. However, the French army followed them. The Hanoverian troops soon realized they had no choice but to surrender.
What Happened After the Surrender?
The Convention of Artlenburg made the surrender official. It meant that Hanover would be occupied by French troops. This event was an important step in Napoleon's plans to control more of Europe.
