Why did it take very long after the Karl Liechtenstein was awarded the princehood in 1608 for the family off Liechtenstein to be accepted to he Imperial Princes council? What had the indebtedness of the house of Hohenems to do with it? A historical resarch paper is putting some light on the background of the elevation of Vaduz and Schellenberg to the principality of Liechtenstein.

The time frame is 1719 to 2019 and a special focus is given to the 100 years before the elevation of the Principalty of Liechtenstein. In this time span the most important events on the ways to the elevation to Imperial principality are researched.

The project is headed by MMag. Dr. Katharina Arnegger. She is a lecturer at the University of Vienna and scientic appointee for the Liechtensteinische Landesmuseum and has researched sources with regard to Liechtenstein history and will publish the findings in cooperation with the Liechtenstein Historical Society.

It is the aim to come up with findings that are based on non researched sources in the Princely Archives in Vienna.

The elevation to an Imperial principality will focus on two historic themes:

First, the indebtedness of the family of Hohenems, that lead to the sale of Schellenberg and Vaduz. And second, the subsequent purchase through the family of Liechtenstein. The family Liechtenstein was in possession of a princely title, but they did not command a imperial principality that marks the second prerequisite for an introduction into the Imperial princes council. This research is focusing on the second point.

In order to answer this question and make a objective analysis possible, the research will focus on open questions.

The results will be published in the Yearbook of the Liechtenstein Historical Society. Based on the findings, exhibitions in the Landesmuseum Liechtenstein are planned and will create valuable synergies.