Austro-Prussian War
The Austro-Prussian War, or the Brothers War, was a conflict fought between Prussia and Austria. Russia, under a military dictatorship, sided with Austria in the conflict. The War ended in a close Prussian victory.
The Conflict
Prelude
Prussia, under the guidance of Otto von Bismarck, had been working to unify Germany under Prussian domination. The Second Schleswig-Holstein War saw an Austrian and Prussian victory over Denmark. However, through political maneuvering by Bismarck, war between the two became inevitable. Russia, having pushed Tsar Constantine I to the role of figurehead, joined Austria and their German allies.
In order to counter Russian involvement, Bismarck met with King Charles XV of Sweden. Bismarck offered the return of Finland should the Swedish join the war. Charles agreed, and Swedish forces invaded the region.
Piedmont-Sardinia, having conquered the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, sided with Prussia, invading Lombardy-Venetia. The Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Duchy of Moden and Reggio rose up in rebellion, overthrowing their Austrain nobility. The Papal States also rose up during this time, causing the Pope to flee Rome once again. All three states declared for Piedmont-Sardinia. This caused Austria to send needed troops south into Italy.
Battlefield
Though Prussia's battle plan was to enter Austria while defending against Russia, Russian military prowess proved to be exaggerated. Prussia maintained a two front conflict until the end of the war, having successfully invaded Russia and Austria, pushing close to the capitals of each nation.
Austria had to send an increasing amount of forces to Italy, as the Piedmontese still had naval support from Holland.
Sweden-Norway effectively invaded Finland, but saw significant opposition from Russian forces.
Outcome
The war proved to be a costly one. The death toll grew to be higher than either side anticipated. In total, both sides lost an estimated 350,000 troops. This death toll changed the approach to German Unification that Bismarck originally had, pursuing a more diplomatic strategy.
The outcome showed the battlefield superiority of the Prussian military and the negligence of their Austrian and Russian counterparts. Prussia formed the northern German states into the North German Confederation. Hesse, Bavaria, Baden, and Wurttemberg later joined briefly into the South German Confederation.
In order to enact a buffer state between Prussia and St. Petersburg, the Prussian occupied territories were declared independent nations of Lithuania, Courland, Livonia, and Estonia. Prussia annexed the areas of Hanover and Nassau, though their rulers were made the kings of Courland and Livonia respectively as compensation. Lithuania was offered to Prince Charles of Prussia, brother of King Wilhelm I. Estonia was offered to Prince August, youngest brother of King Charles of Sweden.
Tsar Constantine I took control of Russian politics from the military and began immediate political reforms to avoid revolution.
Though their forces proved ineffective on the battlefield, Piedmont-Sardinia, and the united Italian forces, gained the territory of Lombardy. The Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed soon after, with Victor Emanuelle II of Piedmonte-Sardinia as king.
Aftermath
The liberal reforms of Tsar Constantine pushes away Russia's Austrian conservative allies, as well as members of his own family. This eventually sees a conservative coalition during the Ukrainian War in 1882.
Historical Significance
Technological Advancement
The Prussian use of the breech loading needle rifle over the Austrian and Russian muzzle loaders proved decisive. In nearly all engagements, Prussia holding the technological advantage saw victories.
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