Wetterau Association of Imperial Counts

The Late Medieval Perpetual Public Peace policy initially led to mixed alliances of higher and lower nobility in the Wetterau, including local knights, lords and counts.

These associations formed the nucleus of the area's regional identity in a time of increasing distance between the social classes.

Four stabilizing elements can be discerned during the transition from the late Middle Ages to the early modern era: The association was founded in 1422, as a successor organization to the imperial bailiff and the Perpetual Public Peace alliances.

In 1495, the alliance between Nassau, Solms, and Hanau (which had been raised to a County in 1429) was renewed and strengthened by the accession of the noble families Reifenberg, Kronberg, Falkenstein, Lindheim, Dorheim and Staden.

As these issues made full statehood an unfulfilled dream, the Wetterau Association aimed to compensate the shortcomings of its members.

In the 16th century, the Wetterau Association was the main organizing power opposing the expansionist policies of the Landgrave of Hesse.

Shortly before the Schmalkaldic War, the Association dropped its neutral stance on the issue and committed clear to the Augsburg Confession.

When Emperor Charles V prepared for war, the Counts felt forced to support the apparently stronger Protestant side, at least verbally, as its leader, Landgrave Philip I of Hesse, was their neighbour.