Austro-Prussian War

The 1866 conflict between Prussia and the Austrian Empire, fought with their German allies and Italy. Prussian victory excluded Austria from German affairs and cleared the way for Prussian-led unification.

Battle of Königgrätz: The decisive 1866 battle in which Prussia defeated Austria near Königgrätz in Bohemia. Prussia’s victory there broke Austria’s ability to continue the campaign effectively.
German question: The nineteenth-century debate over the political form and boundaries of a unified Germany. The conflict settled whether Austria or Prussia would lead German unification.
North German Confederation: A federation of German states north of the Main River, founded under Prussian leadership in 1867. It replaced the German Confederation for Prussia and its northern allies after victory.
Greater Germany: A proposed German nation-state that would include the Habsburg lands or their German-speaking territories. Austria’s defeat ended the practical prospect of this Austria-inclusive unification plan.
Prussian Army: The military forces of the Kingdom of Prussia, noted for organization, training, and modern weapons. Its mobilization and needle gun helped Prussia win key engagements.
Austro-Prussian rivalry: The competition between Austria and Prussia for influence among the German states. Their long-standing contest made the joint administration of conquered Danish duchies unstable.
Prussian annexations of 1866: Prussia’s incorporation of several defeated German states, including Hanover, Hesse-Kassel, and Nassau, in 1866. The annexations enlarged Prussia and consolidated its position in northern Germany.
Lesser Germany: A proposed German nation-state led by Prussia and excluding Austria. The war’s outcome cleared the way for this Prussian-led alternative.
Needle gun: A breech-loading rifle that could be loaded while its user was prone. Prussian infantry used it to fire faster than Austrian troops with muzzle-loading rifles.
Second Schleswig War: The 1864 war in which Austria and Prussia defeated Denmark over Schleswig and Holstein. Their disagreement over the duchies’ administration furnished the immediate pretext for war.

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