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Expanded History

History of Liechtenstein

From antiquity to the modern era — the historical eras, key events, and narrative that shaped Liechtenstein.

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Overview

The Austrian Liechtenstein family acquired the fiefs of Vaduz and Schellenberg in 1699 and 1713 respectively, and they became an independent principality under the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 under the name Liechtenstein. The French, under Napoleon, occupied the country for a few years, but Liechtenstein regained its independence in 1815 within the new German Confederation. In 1868, after the Confederation dissolved, Liechtenstein disbanded its army of 80 men and declared its permanent neutrality, which was respected during both world wars.

In 1919, Liechtenstein entrusted its external relations to neutral Switzerland. After World War II, Liechtenstein became increasingly important as a financial center, and the country became more prosperous. In 1989, Prince Hans Adam II succeeded his father to the throne and in 1996 settled a long-running dispute with Russia over the Liechtenstein family’s archives, which had been confiscated during the Soviet occupation of Vienna in 1945 and later moved to Moscow. In 1978, Liechtenstein became a member of the Council of Europe and then joined the UN in 1990, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1991, and both the European Economic Area (EEA) and World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995.

Historical Eras

The major periods of {country}’s history at a glance.

  1. Early Feudal Roots

    1342 – 1719

    The County of Vaduz and the Lordship of Schellenberg, the two fiefs that would form Liechtenstein, existed as minor territories within the Holy Roman Empire. The Austrian House of Liechtenstein acquired Schellenberg in 1699 and Vaduz in 1712, consolidating holdings that enabled the family to attain the status of an imperial prince. This period laid the dynastic and territorial foundations for the principality.

  2. Holy Roman Principality

    1719 – 1815

    Emperor Charles VI elevated the united territories to the Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein in 1719, granting the Liechtenstein dynasty a seat in the Imperial Diet. Napoleonic France occupied the territory briefly in the early nineteenth century, dissolving the Holy Roman Empire in 1806 and making Liechtenstein formally sovereign. The Congress of Vienna in 1815 then incorporated the principality into the German Confederation.

  3. German Confederation Era

    1815 – 1866

    As a member of the German Confederation, Liechtenstein navigated the tensions of German nationalism and the rivalry between Austria and Prussia. The principality maintained a token army of 80 men and remained closely aligned with Austrian interests. When the Confederation dissolved following the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Liechtenstein seized the opportunity to declare full independence and permanent neutrality, disbanding its military entirely.

  4. Neutrality & Swiss Alignment

    1866 – 1945

    Following independence, Liechtenstein pursued a policy of strict neutrality, respected by all belligerents in both World Wars. Economic devastation after World War I severed longstanding ties with Austria, prompting a customs and monetary union with Switzerland in 1923 and the entrustment of foreign affairs to Bern in 1919. Women remained without the vote until 1984, reflecting the principality's slow pace of democratic reform during this period.

  5. Financial Center & Integration

    1945 – 1990

    Post-war Liechtenstein leveraged low corporate taxes and favorable banking laws to transform itself into one of Europe's wealthiest states per capita. The principality joined the Council of Europe in 1978, signaling greater engagement with European institutions. Concerns over banking secrecy and money laundering began to emerge alongside the remarkable economic prosperity, setting the stage for later regulatory reforms.

  6. Modern Liechtenstein

    1990 – present

    Liechtenstein joined the United Nations in 1990, EFTA in 1991, and the European Economic Area and WTO in 1995, fully integrating into the global order while retaining its non-EU status. Prince Hans-Adam II, who ascended in 1989, pursued constitutional reforms that expanded princely powers in 2003, and transferred day-to-day governance to Crown Prince Alois in 2004. The country has since strengthened anti-money-laundering legislation and concluded legal assistance treaties, modernizing its financial sector.

Timeline Preview

The first 7 key events. View the full chronology on the timeline page.

  1. 1719

    Principality of Liechtenstein was created within the Holy Roman Empire.

    Principality of Liechtenstein was created within the Holy Roman Empire.

  2. 1815

    Liechtenstein becomes a member of the German Confederation until 1866.

    Liechtenstein becomes a member of the German Confederation until 1866.

  3. 1866

    Liechtenstein becomes fully independent.

    Liechtenstein becomes fully independent.

  4. 1939 – 1945

    Outbreak of World War II. Liechtenstein remains neutral.

    Outbreak of World War II. Liechtenstein remains neutral.

  5. 1984

    In Lichtenstein women gained the right to vote.

    In Lichtenstein women gained the right to vote.

  6. 1990

    Liechtenstein joins the United Nations.

    Liechtenstein joins the United Nations.

  7. 2004

    Crown Prince Hans-Adam hands over day-to-day running of Liechtenstein to his son Prince Alois.

    Crown Prince Hans-Adam hands over day-to-day running of Liechtenstein to his son Prince Alois while remaining head of state.

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