Editing Principality (section)

===Consolidation===
[[File:Johann Josef I von Liechtenstein.jpg|thumb|Prince [[Johann I Joseph, Prince of Liechtenstein|Johann I Josef]], last prince of [[Liechtenstein]] prior to the end of the [[Holy Roman Empire]]]]
While some principalities prospered in their independence, stronger royal houses swallowed less successful states. Europe saw the consolidation of small principalities into larger [[monarchy|kingdoms]] and [[empire]]s. This had already happened in [[Kingdom of England|England]] in the first millennium, and this trend subsequently led to the creation of such states as [[France]], [[Portugal]], and [[Spain]]. Another form of consolidation was orchestrated in [[Italy]] during the Renaissance by the [[Medici]] family. A banking family from [[Florence]], the Medici took control of governments in various [[Italy|Italian]] regions and even assumed the [[papacy]]. They then appointed family members as princes and assured their protection. [[Prussia]] also later expanded by acquiring the territories of many other states.

However, from the 17th to 19th centuries, especially within the Holy Roman Empire, the reverse was also occurring: many new small sovereign states arose as a result of land transfers for various reasons.

Notable principalities existed in various regions of [[Germany]] and [[Italy]] until the early 20th century.