Iron & Blood: German War 1866

Real Time History・2 minutes read

War breaks out in Central Europe in 1866 between Austria and Prussia over governance disagreements in duchies, with Prussia gaining Italian support and ultimately emerging victorious, leading to the unification of Germany and the decline of Austria's influence.

Insights

  • Prussia's secret deal with Italy for support against Austria and the subsequent victories in battles like Konigretz were crucial in securing the Prussian triumph in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.
  • The Austro-Prussian War of 1866, culminating in the Treaty of Prague, not only reshaped Central Europe's political and military dynamics but also marked the decline of Austria's influence and paved the way for the unification of Germany.

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Recent questions

  • What was the cause of the Austro-Prussian War?

    Tensions over administering duchies and governance disagreements.

  • What were the key strategies of the Prussian forces?

    Offensive strategy, swift movement, and superior weaponry.

  • How did the Prussian forces achieve victory at Konigretz?

    Better tactics, command, and superior rifles.

  • What were the consequences of the Austro-Prussian War?

    Unification of Germany and decline of Austria's influence.

  • How did the Prussian forces achieve victory in the Austro-Prussian War?

    Superior weaponry, tactics, and strategic leadership.

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Summary

00:00

Austro-Prussian War: Central Europe Conflict 1866

  • War breaks out in Central Europe in the summer of 1866, with Austria and its German allies facing Prussia, its German allies, and Italy on various battlefields.
  • The Congress of Vienna in 1814-1815 reorganized Europe, creating a German Confederation of independent states to address the German question.
  • The 1848 revolution led to debates on a German Imperial Nation, excluding Austria, but the Prussian King refused the imperial role.
  • The Second Schleswig War in 1864 saw Prussia and Austria defeating Denmark, leading to tensions in administering the duchies.
  • Prussia and Austria agree to administer the duchies separately but disagree on their future governance, leading to an inevitable war.
  • Prussia makes a secret deal with Italy for support against Austria, with Italy receiving Venetia in return.
  • Opposition to the war arises, with individuals like Rudolph Von ering and Prussian Crown Princess Victoria expressing disapproval.
  • Bismarck provokes Austria into war by accusing them of breaching the treaty on Schleswig-Holstein.
  • The German Confederation declares war on Prussia in June 1866, leading to a conflict between northern and southern German states.
  • The Austro-Prussian War of 1866, known as the German War, sees heavy fighting in various regions, with detailed descriptions of the Prussian and Austrian armies' weaponry and tactics.

16:36

"The Austro-Prussian War: Modern Tactics Triumph"

  • The bullet being spun is not aerodynamic, affecting its trajectory at 600 meters, with an effective range of around 300 meters.
  • This bullet allows for very rapid fire, at seven rounds per minute, compared to previous muzzle-loading rifles.
  • By 1864, the Lorenz rifle shows its capabilities but is surpassed by the Minié rifle with a 500-meter effective range.
  • The Austrian artillery, though powerful, faces modernized Prussian guns that can fire faster.
  • The Austrian commanders cling to outdated war methods, misinterpreting lessons from past conflicts.
  • The Prussian forces, led by Malika, adopt an offensive strategy, swiftly moving their armies towards the Austrian border.
  • The Prussian armies, totaling 254,000 men, advance towards Bohemia, facing challenges in communication and logistics.
  • The Austrian forces, under Von Benedek, struggle with outdated tactics and face a modern but untested Prussian force.
  • The first major clash between the Prussians and Austrians occurs in Bohemia, with the Austrians initially holding their ground.
  • Despite initial Austrian victories, the Prussians secure significant victories in subsequent battles, leading to the Austrian retreat and a shift in the campaign's momentum.

33:24

Prussian Victory: Turning the Tide in Battle

  • Schweinetz watches alongside the king as his forces buckle under pressure, facing exhausted and apathetic men returning from battle.
  • The Old King is enraged by Marauders' retreat without orders, leading to officers leading their men back into battle.
  • The Prussian Crown Prince's Army arrives at 1:30 PM, turning the tide against the Austrians.
  • Prussian forces capture the Hulum Heights, earning the Austrian Gunners the nickname "the battery of the Dead."
  • The Prussians defeat the Saxons at Provos, prompting Benedict to order a general retreat.
  • Prussian victory at Konigretz results from better tactics, command, and superior rifles, including 500,000 needle guns.
  • Human losses at Konigretz include 1,900 Prussians killed, 7,000 wounded, and 276 missing, with Austrian losses far higher.
  • Witness accounts detail the horrific fate of wounded Poles in the Austrian Army during a burning village incident.
  • The Prussians refuse Austria's request for a ceasefire on July 4th, leading to Benedict's removal and the Northern Army's retreat towards Vienna.
  • The Prussian Mind Army's campaign against Southern German states, loyal to Austria, sees the Prussians prevailing despite initial resistance.

49:36

Austro-Prussian War: Shifting Power in Europe

  • Austrians win a defensive Victory in 1866, with 6,500 killed and wounded, and 1,500 prisoners, while Italians suffer 4,100 casualties and 4,000 prisoners.
  • Austrian Vice Admiral Tegetoff achieves an improbable naval Victory by ramming Italian ships at the Battle of Lissa on July 20th.
  • Prussians triumph in various battles, leading Austria to sue for peace, ending the Austro-Prussian War on July 26, 1866, with the Treaty of Prague.
  • Bismarck negotiates peace terms favoring Prussia, including Austria ceding Venetia to Italy and the dissolution of the German Confederation.
  • The war shifts the political and military landscape of Central Europe, leading to the unification of Germany and the decline of Austria's influence.
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