Hanover

Hanover, or Hannover, region of northwest Germany. As Brunswick-Lüneburg it became an electorate of the Holy Roman Empire in 1692 (its elector, or ruler, helped elect the emperor). It began a period of association with England (1714–1837) when its elector became King George I of England. During this association Hanover was invaded twice: during the Seven Years War (1756–63) and the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Disputed by the French and Prussians, it was annexed by Prussia after the Seven Weeks' War (1866), remaining apart of Prussia until 1946, when it became part of the state of Lower Saxony, West Germany. Major cities of Hanover include Hanover and Göttingen.