Ernest Frederick I, Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ernest Frederick I |
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| Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen | |
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| Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen | |
| Reign | 1715–1724 |
| Predecessor | Ernest |
| Successor | Ernest Frederick II |
| Born | 21 August 1681 Gotha |
| Died | 9 March 1724 (aged 42) Hildburghausen |
| Spouse | Countess Sophia Albertine of Erbach-Erbach |
| Issue | Prince Hollandinus Princess Sophie Prince Ernst Ludwig Ernest Frederick II Prince Frederick August Prince Ludwig Frederick Princess Elisabeth Albertine Prince Emanuel Frederick Princess Elisabeth Sophie Prince Georg Frederick |
| House | House of Saxe-Hildburghausen |
| Father | Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen |
| Mother | Countess Sophie Henriette of Waldeck |
Ernst Frederick I (born in Gotha on August 21, 1681 – died in Hildburghausen on March 9, 1724) was a powerful ruler, known as a duke, of a small state called Saxe-Hildburghausen. He was the oldest son of Ernst, Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen and Countess Sophie Henriette of Waldeck.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
When Ernst Frederick I was younger, he joined the Netherlands army. He was a soldier and fought in battles. During the War of the Spanish Succession, a big war in Europe, he was hurt in a battle near a place called Höchstädt.
In 1715, his father passed away. Ernst Frederick then left the army to take over as the new duke. He began to govern the duchy of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
Ruling the Duchy
Like many other German princes at that time, Ernst Frederick I wanted his duchy to look very grand and impressive. He admired the fancy court of King Louis XIV of France, who was known for his great splendor. Ernst Frederick wanted his own palace and court to be just as magnificent.
However, trying to make his duchy so grand caused him a lot of money problems. He spent too much and ended up in debt.
Money Problems and Sales
Because he always needed money, Ernst Frederick I decided to raise taxes on his people. He also started selling off parts of his duchy.
- In 1720, he sold the county of Cuylenburg. This land was part of his wife's dowry, which means it was property she brought into the marriage. He sold it not to pay off his debts, but to build a new garden and a channel at his palace.
- In 1723, he sold a region called Schalkau to the duchy of Saxe-Meiningen. Schalkau was an important area with city rights and a market. This sale was done without his wife's agreement, which was against the law.
This illegal sale led to a war with Saxe-Meiningen. The fighting caused a lot of damage and ruin across the county.
Public Unrest
The very high taxes that Ernst Frederick I put on his people made them very unhappy. In 1717, this unhappiness led to an open revolt in the duchy. People were so upset that they rose up against his rule.
Family
Ernst Frederick I married Countess Sophia Albertine of Erbach-Erbach in Erbach on February 4, 1704. They had many children together.
Here are some of their children:
- Ernst Ludwig Hollandinus (born and died in 1704)
- Sophie Amalie Elisabeth (born 1705 – died 1708)
- Ernst Ludwig (born and died in 1707)
- Ernst Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen (born 1707 – died 1745). He later became the next Duke.
- Frederick August (born 1709 – died 1710)
- Ludwig Frederick (born 1710 – died 1759). He married Christine Luise von Holstein-Plön, but they had no children.
- Elisabeth Albertine (born 1713 – died 1761). She married Karl Ludwig Frederick of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
- Emanuel Frederick Karl (born 1715 – died 1718)
- Elisabeth Sophie (born and died in 1717)
- Georg Frederick Wilhelm (born 1720 – died 1721)
| Preceded by Ernst |
Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen 1715–1724 |
Succeeded by Ernst Frederick II |
See also
In Spanish: Ernesto Federico I de Sajonia-Hildburghausen para niños
