Austro-Prussian War

The Austro-Prussian War (also called the Seven Weeks' War or the German Civil War) was a war fought between the Austrian Empire and Prussia in 1866 that resulted in Prussian dominance in Germany. In Germany and Austria it is called Deutscher Krieg (German war) or Bruderkrieg (war of brothers).

Alliances

Most of the German states sided with Austria against Prussia, perceived as the aggressor. These included Saxony, Bavaria, Baden, Württemberg, Hanover, Hesse-Kassel, Hesse-Darmstadt and Nassau.

Related Topics:
Saxony - Bavaria - Baden - Württemberg - Hanover - Hesse-Kassel - Hesse-Darmstadt - Nassau

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Some of the northern German states joined Prussia, in particular Oldenburg, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and Brunswick. Also, Italy joined with Prussia, because Austria still occupied the territory of Venetia which Italian irredentists wanted in order to complete Italian unification.

Related Topics:
Oldenburg - Mecklenburg-Schwerin - Mecklenburg-Strelitz - Brunswick - Italy - Venetia - Irredentists - Italian unification

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Notably, the other foreign powers abstained from this war. French Emperor Napoleon III, who expected an Austrian victory, chose to remain out of the war to strengthen his negotiating position for territory along the Rhine, while Russia still bore a grudge against Austria from the Crimean War.

Related Topics:
French - Napoleon III - Rhine - Russia - Crimean War

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