Why did Prussia win the Austro-Prussian War?
In the summer of 1866, the Austro-Prussian War broke out, with Prussia winning in a war, which lasted all of seven weeks. In deciphering why Prussia won the war, or rather why Austria lost it, it is essential to review the economic situation of both nations, and somewhat more crucially, their performances and outcomes of previous ‘wars’. Looking at the facts before the warm the gap in some aspects weren’t as profound as others. Essentially, the war was really over before it began.
Austria’s situation was dire to say the least. In Europe, the usage of alliances was prevalent. One very poignant example was the alliance between Prussia and Italy, ...view middle of the document...
These reforms were made under the umbrella-term of ‘Realpolitik’.
Their leader, Bismarck was a leader who had a firm in the ideals of ‘Realpolitik’; a term which depicted the ruthless and cynical policies of leaders to increase the power of a state. In this very description, the actions of Bismarck have a clear notion of expanding Prussia’s influence. In 1866, he signed a treaty with Italy to strengthen their position numerically. This proved to be a demonstration that Bismarck needed others around him for his policies to come to fruition.
When looking at the months just before the war, it is clear that Bismarck had a systematic plan to get Austria into ear, by first reforming (or at least trying to reform) the Confederation. Austria, fearing a surprise attack then mobilised, with Prussia doing the same. Then Austria broke relations off, causing even more tension, and later on in June 1866, in the same month and year, Bismarck proposed that Austria be excluded from the Confederation, causing shockwaves. Austria then asks the diet to reject the proposals. However, censured by the diet, Prussia withdrew from the Confederation, and later invaded 3 Northern States. In late June 1866, the Austrians beat the Italians, not requiring much time or effort. However, unbeknownst to them, a Prussian general Moltke, decided to invade Bohemia, to stop the Austrians linking up with the north from the south. Moltke decided then split up his forces for faster movement. The Austrian army however weren’t able to destroy these smaller Prussian armies. Here in this series of events, Austria proved that by reacting in the way that they did proved pivotal in making a very important decision for the Prussians. Their move on the offensive wasn’t what was expected off allies. In doing this, Austria endangered itself...
