The Second War of German Unification - The German War
Who?
When?
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The German War was during the year 1866
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Why?
The main cause of the war was Austrias and Prussias dispute over the leadership in Germany. The final straw was the disagreement over the administration of Schleswig-Holstein after the German-Danish war.
The conditions for a war in 1866 were very favorable for Prussia, because Austria was in a serious financial crisis and France (Austrians Ally) declared its neutrality in the event of a German civil war. Bismarck was also able to win Italy as an ally, because Veneto still belonged to Austria-Hungary during that time. On April 8, 1866 Prussia and Italy agreed on a temporary three months offensive alliance against Austria.
Finally the Prussian Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck pressed for a military solution. On June 9, Prussian troops marched into Holstein. Austria now sought support from the German Confederation against Prussia
On 14 June, the parliament approves with nine votes against six. Prussia declared this was a breach of the Federal Constitution and the Confederation was dissolved.
The conditions for a war in 1866 were very favorable for Prussia, because Austria was in a serious financial crisis and France (Austrians Ally) declared its neutrality in the event of a German civil war. Bismarck was also able to win Italy as an ally, because Veneto still belonged to Austria-Hungary during that time. On April 8, 1866 Prussia and Italy agreed on a temporary three months offensive alliance against Austria.
Finally the Prussian Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck pressed for a military solution. On June 9, Prussian troops marched into Holstein. Austria now sought support from the German Confederation against Prussia
On 14 June, the parliament approves with nine votes against six. Prussia declared this was a breach of the Federal Constitution and the Confederation was dissolved.
What?
Although almost all German states were on Austrias side, the Prussian army was superior to the Austrian troops in all aspects. Prussia overran Saxony without a declaration of war and invaded Bohemia. In the decisive battle at Hradec Kralove (Sadowa) the Austrian-Saxon army was defeated on July 3, 1866. Austria withdrew its troops to the Danube and the Prussian army advanced to Vienna (up to Stockerau and Gänserndorf).
To prevent a French or Russian intervention Bismarck urged the Prussian king to not take full advantage of the victory, but to settle with a quick peace. Through the mediation of the French Emperor Napoleon III the conclusion of peace in the empire was decided.
To prevent a French or Russian intervention Bismarck urged the Prussian king to not take full advantage of the victory, but to settle with a quick peace. Through the mediation of the French Emperor Napoleon III the conclusion of peace in the empire was decided.
Consequences?
Geographily, Italy got Veneto and Prussia annexed all states north of the Main except Saxony and Hesse-Darmstadt.
As a result, Prussia finally obtained a connection between its western Rhenish provinces east of the Elbe and the nearby mainland.
The German Confederation dissolves and Prussia and the states dominated by Prussia founded the North German Confederation. The southern states allied with Prussia in defensive alliances - the basis for the German-French War 1870/71.