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).

Course of the War

The first major war between two continental powers in many years, this war used many of the same technologies as the American Civil War, including the use of railroads to concentrate troops during mobilization and the use of telegraphs to enhance long distance communication.

Related Topics:
American Civil War - Railroads - Telegraphs

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The main campaign of the war occurred in Bohemia. Prussian Chief of the General Staff Helmuth von Moltke had planned meticulously for the war, and chose to mostly ignore the minor states in favor of a concentration against Austria. He rapidly mobilized the Prussian army and advanced across the border into Saxony and Bohemia, where the Austrian army was concentrating for an invasion of Silesia. There, the Prussian armies led personally by King Wilhelm converged, and the two sides met at the Battle of Königgrätz (Sadová) on July 3. Superior Prussian organization and élan decided the battle against Austrian numerical superiority, and the victory was near total, with Austrian battle deaths nearly seven times the Prussian figure. It is worth noting that Prussia was equipped with von Dreyse's breech-loading needle-gun, which was vastly superior to Austria's muzzle-loaders. Austria rapidly sought peace after this battle.

Related Topics:
Bohemia - Helmuth von Moltke - Silesia - King Wilhelm - Battle of Königgrätz - July 3 - Von Dreyse - Needle-gun

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Except for Saxony, the other German states allied to Austria played little role in the main campaign. Hanover's army defeated Prussia at Langensalza on June 27, but within a few days they were forced to surrender by superior numbers. Prussian armies fought against Bavaria on the Main River, reaching Nuremberg and Frankfurt.

Related Topics:
Langensalza - June 27 - Main River - Nuremberg - Frankfurt

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The Austrians were more successful in their war with Italy, defeating the Italians on land at the battle of Custoza (June 24) and on sea at the battle of Lissa (July 20). Garibaldi's "Hunters of the Alps" defeated the Austrians at battle of Bezzecca, on 21 July, conquered the lower part of Trentino, and moved towards Trento. Prussian peace with Austria-Hungary forced the Italian government to seek an armistice with Austria, on 12 August. According to Treaty of Vienna, signed on October 12, Austria-Hungary ceded Venetia to France, which in turn ceded it to Italy.

Related Topics:
Battle of Custoza - June 24 - Battle of Lissa - July 20 - Garibaldi - Hunters of the Alps - Battle of Bezzecca - 21 July - Trentino - Trento - 12 August - Treaty of Vienna - October 12 - Venetia

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