Back to the video list: German History

 

During the second half of the 19th century the dualism between Prussia and Austria grew stronger and subsequently led to the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. The Prussian victory in this war meant that the German Empire will be founded as a lesser German solution without Austria.

The Austro-Prussian War was the second of the three Wars of the German unification. The two other wars were the 2nd Schleswig War (1864) and the The Franco-Prussian War (1870/71).

 

Video

 

 

Overview

  • Date: 09 Jun – 23 Aug 1866 (03 Oct 1866)
  • Location: German states
  • Start: Prussian troops invade Holstein
  • End: Treaty of Prague – Prussian victory (Treaty of Vienna – Italian Victory)

 

Parties & Persons Involved

  • German Confederation, with
    • Austria
    • Hanover
    • Hesse
    • Southern territories
  • Prussia, with
    • Italy
    • Northern territories & cities

 

Background

  • German Dualism between Austria & Prussia:
    • Deutscher Zollverein (German Customs Union) under the leadership of Prussia & without Austria
    • Prussian-Austrian conflict after the German-Danish War (Austria supports self-government in Schleswig-Holstein)
  • Economic & military strength in Prussia
  • Economic & military weakness in Austria
  • Strong movements in the population for a united German nation

 

History

Prologue & Allies

  • 08 Feb 1863: Alvensleben Convention (Prussian-Russian alliance to secure authority against Polish uprising) leads to a Russian neutrality
  • 03 Sep 1865: Prussia negotiates the neutrality of France
  • 08 Apr 1866: Offensive alliance of Prussia & Italy against Austria
  • 01 Jun 1866: Austrian plan that the population of Holstein & the German Confederation will decide about the future of Holstein
  • Prussia regards the Austrian plan as a breech of agreements (Gastein Convention) & a threat to her interests
  • 09 Jun 1866: Prussian troops march into Holstein
  • 14 Jun 1866: Bundestag (Federal Convention) declares the Bundesexekution (Federal Execution) against Prussia
  • Prussia declares the abolishment of the German Confederation

 

Course of War

  • 23 Jun 1866: Prussian forces invade Saxony & fight several battles
  • 24 Jun 1866: Austria defeats Italy in the Battle of Custoza
  • 27 Jun 1866: Hanoverian army defeats Prussian troops in the Battle of Bad Langensalza; but Hanover surrenders because of Prussian overall superiority (29 Jun)
  • 03 Jul 1866: Decisive Prussian victory in the Battle of Königgrätz
  • 23 Aug 1866: Treaty of Prague (Prussia & Austria)
  • 03 Oct 1866: Treaty of Vienna (Austria & Italy)

 

Consequences & Impact

  • Prussian territorial gains:
    • Schleswig-Holstein
    • Hanover
    • Hesse
    • Frankfurt
  • Italian territorial gains:
    • Venice
  • End of the German Confederation & foundation of the North German Confederation
  • Precondition for the lesser German solution (German nation without Austria)
  • End of the German Dualism – Prussia is the clear hegemon in Germany