The Decisive Battles of World History

Lecture 30: 1866 Königgrätz—Bismarck Molds Germany

x Although some of the Prussian generals wanted to pursue and

completely destroy the Austrian army, Bismarck astutely realized

that, in the long run, it would be more useful to reconcile with

Austria rather than to have her as a bitter enemy; thus, he persuaded

Moltke to call off the pursuit.

Outcomes

x After the battle, the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef immediately

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six months, was reorganized as the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

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humiliating defeat on the French. As part of the peace treaty, France

was forced to cede Alsace-Lorraine and pay a huge indemnity—

actions that created great resentment and were factors leading to the

outbreak of the First World War.

x The only European nation more powerful than a united Germany

was Great Britain, and the two countries engaged in an arms race

that was yet another element leading to World War I. It is not

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half of the 20th century can be traced directly to Prussia’s triumph

at Königgrätz, but it should not be forgotten how easily the battle

might have had a different outcome.

Craig, The Battle of Königgrätz.

Steinberg, Bismarck.

Wawro, The Austro-Prussian War.

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