Austro-Prussian War - Bismarck's Influence

In 1866 the Austro-Prussian War broke out between the two German states of Prussia and Austria. There had been conflicts between the two in previous decades, but Prussia, under the command of Otto von Bismarck, had sought a more lasting split. Under Bismarck’s control, conditions had been orchestrated to make war possible between the two and to ensure Prussia’s victory. Thus, when the opportunity was presented by the Duchies question, Bismarck took his chance and provoked a war. The war itself was over in seven weeks, with a Prussian victory, it was important as it symbolized the permanent separation of the two states. Though the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 had origins before Bismarck, Bismarck actively chose to prepare for and provoke a conflict with Austria in hopes of removing its influence from the German states.

Even prior to the Austro-Prussian War, there were divisions between the two states. Though they were allies for many years due to the German population that existed in both, they began to both grasp for power within the German states. One example of this power struggle occurred in the Zollverein, an economic association that Prussia led. Prussia did not want Austria to be part of this economic group and thus “blocked Austrian entry into the Zollverein.” In 1849-1850 the states were even on the brink of war. Prussia attempted to create a German union, with itself at the forefront, but Austria “called the Prussian bluff by adopting a belligerent posture.” As a result, Prussia lost what power it had accumulated in the maneuver when it signed the Olmutz Convention, which “re-established the old German Confederation.” Two wars were also influential on the conflict between Austria and Prussia. In the Cri...

... middle of paper ...

...h Austria’s presence. Thus, in the Nikolsburg Armistice, he agreed “to make no annexations in Austria in return for a large cash indemnity and Franz Joseph’s pledge to remove Austria from the German Confederation and whatever political structure Prussia might design to succeed it.” In doing so, Bismarck removed all legitimacy of Austrian presence in Germany. No longer could Austria involve itself in German politics without violating the treaty. As a result, this exclusion would make certain that a “centralized German state under Prussian domination” would come to exist. This war went perfectly for Bismarck, for he was able to achieve all he desired in the outcome. The armistice itself helps to prove that the war was orchestrated intentionally by Bismarck, for he exacted little from his enemy but his ultimate goal – ensuring Prussian supremacy in Germany.