preparation for the Austro-Prussian war of 1866 Flashcards
(13 cards)
What was something Bismarck do to stir up anti Austrian feeling in Prussia?
Bismarck made no effort to solve the disagreements that came up in the government of Schleswig Holstein.
Who did Bismarck seek allies with?
France, Russia and Italy.
How did Bismarck seek for France as an ally and what was Frances response? Why?
Bismarck was so worried about which side Napoleon III would take he flew out to Biarritz in October 1856. Napoleon decided to stay neutral but with the condition that it would be given Venetia which was governed by Austria at the time to be given to Italy once the war was over. Napoleon thought he would benefit from being a peacemaker. Bismarck made empty promises about the Rhineland out of fear.
What did Russia say in relations to Bismarck?
Russia promised to stay neutral
What did Italy agree in relations to Bismarck? Why did Bismarck believe Italy to be useful?
The Italian army was small, yet Bismarck believed that it could provide a good distraction by preventing Austria to focus entirely on Prussia. In April 1866, Bismarck made a secret treaty with Italy where Italy would follow Prussia into war within a three month period. Italy was prepared to help Prussia in return for Venetia. Bismarck now had to act without delay.
How long did it take for the Prussians to win the war? Why were people suprised?
7 weeks, people were supposed because the Austrians preformed better during the Danish war and numbers in solders and artillery were quite close.
How many troops did the Prussians have?
The Prussians had 254,000
How many troops did the Austrians have ?
245,000
How much artillery did the Prussians have ?
702
How much artillery did the Austrians have ?
650
Why did Austria make the first move? Where did Austria send its troops ?
Firstly, Austria knew that it’s army was slow to mobilize so it made the first move to avoid being caught by surprise. Austria began calling troops in April when hearing that there were Italian military movements. Austria feared war on two fronts so it sent 100,000 troops to the southern border even though Italy didn’t perform well on the battlefield.
What happened in early June of 1866 that angered Bismarck ?
The Austrian government began to interfere in the administration of Schleswig which was supposed to be under Prussia control and then took the issue to the GCD. By involving the DIET, Austria internationalized the issue and undermined Prussia’s power, which Bismarck condemned as a breach of the Gastein convention and Prussia sent forces into Holstein.
What did Austria then do after Prussia sent forces into Holstein ? What did Bismarck do in response ?
Austria called on the confederation for support where Hanover, Hesse and Saxony sided with Austria. Bismarck invaded them, rapidly overrunning their territory after asking them not to act impulsively.
