Austro-Prussian War (1866) – iTopper IAS Academy

In 1866 the conflict between Prussia and Austria erupted over the control of Schleswig and Holstein, the German speaking territories that were occupied by the two powers after the war in 1864 against Denmark.
Bismarck who enforced the conflict already knew that Russia, France and Italy would stand aside.
The conflict led to the war between Austria and Prussia in 1866.
In the war, South German states and some Central German states stood with Austria, while Italy, most North German states and some smaller German states stood with Prussia.
Prussia crushed Austria in the war and retained the control of Schleswig and Holstein. After Prussia’s victory, Bismarck set up peaceful treaties with Austria to remain as future allies.
After this, Prussia was joined by Northern German states to form the North German Confederation. It was formed in 1867 and gave rise to a new powerful German state.
Although the German states were allowed to govern themselves but they were still under the influence of the German Emperor.