Maskenball und Kanonendonner

The Seven Years War (1756-1763) is a forgotten military conflict in Württemberg. Unlike the Thirty Years War or the War of the Palatinate Succession, Swabia was not the scene of sieges and battles during this war. Nevertheless, the south-west of Germany was severely affected by the effects of this global war. The war had a direct or indirect impact on all areas of life in Württemberg. Printed orders issued by Duke Carl Eugen impressively document how many young Württembergers were forced into the army against their will. The most important domestic consequence of the war was a sharp confrontation between the Duke and the estates of the realm. In the course of these disputes, the important imperial publicist Johann Jacob Moser was imprisoned in July 1759 and held captive on the Hohentwiel for five years without trial. While the country suffered from the economic consequences of the war, court life in Württemberg flourished. Many renowned artists worked in Stuttgart and Ludwigsburg around 1760, including the composer Niccolò Jommelli, who came from Naples. Duke Carl Eugen also attempted to achieve his political goals territorial consolidation and the title of Elector through the development of courtly splendour. Carl Eugen's policies failed completely.