The Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen-Hildburghausen was a small German state that existed from 1826 to 1918. It was formed when the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen was divided, creating a new duchy that included the towns of Hildburghausen and Meiningen. The duchy was part of the larger Saxe region and was known for its cultural contributions, particularly in theater and music. The ruling family of Saxe-Meiningen-Hildburghausen was part of the House of Saxe-Meiningen, which played a significant role in the political landscape of the time. The duchy was dissolved after World War I, following the abdication of the last duke, Georg II, as Germany transitioned from monarchies to a republic.