Page "Kassel" Paragraph 5

In 1567, the landgraviate of Hesse, until then centered in Marburg, was divided among four sons, with Hesse-Kassel ( or Hesse-Cassel ) becoming one of its successor states.

Kassel was its capital and became a centre of Calvinist Protestantism in Germany.

Strong fortifications were built to protect the Protestant stronghold against Catholic enemies.

In 1685, Kassel became a refuge for 1700 Huguenots who found shelter in the newly established borough of Oberneustadt.

Landgrave Charles, who was responsible for this humanitarian act, also ordered the construction of the Oktagon and of the Orangerie.

In the late 18th century, Hesse-Kassel became infamous for selling mercenaries ( Hessians ) to the British crown to help suppress the American Revolution and to finance the construction of palaces and the landgrave's opulent lifestyle.