Second Schleswig War [1864]

The history of the war, which had serious consequences for the situation in Europe and affected the Czech lands.

In the 18th century, when a new phenomenon of Prussia appeared in Europe, the problem of the organization of German-speaking countries arose. Since the Middle Ages, the Habsburg Monarchy has played an important role in this matter. After the Seven Years' War, in which Austria lost the territory of Silesia, it had to take Prussia's position in Europe very seriously.

Despite the fact that the conflict between the two powers threatened to escalate into an open war, they were able to cooperate once again. This was in the case of the so-called Duchy of Zallabia.

The joint action of the two great powers in resolving the issue of the Dukes of Zallabia could delay the mutual conflict for a maximum of several years. Prussia was already carefully preparing for war. It had almost ideal conditions for that. A new, well-prepared army and led by two very capable managers.

Bismarck knew he had to attack within a maximum of three months. Even the Austrians did not wait for anything and on April 21 they mobilized the Southern Army. In May, the Prussians mobilize, and by the beginning of June, all the armies of both opposing parties are fully mobilized.

Military ranks began to be fully utilized in the 16th century, when military commanders, not rulers, took the lead.

Organization and position of individual armies.

After Prussia violated the rules of the German Confederation by occupying Holstein, the Confederate states had to punish the violators. The problem, however, was that the Prussian army was too strong. Nevertheless, some states have taken up arms.

The main burden of the fighting was borne by the territory of Bohemia. On June 22, 1866, the first Prussian troops entered its territory. Units of the Prussian First and Elbe armies are advancing from the north and northwest, respectively. The two are to fight their way to Jičín and unite there. Between 26.-30. In June, there are several dozen battles.

After June 30, the strategic situation of the Austrian army was catastrophic. The 1st Prussian and Elbe armies occupied Jičín. There was no obstacle on the way to Hradec Králové.

Immediately after the battle, Benedek asks Emperor Francis Joseph I to begin negotiations for surrender. However, he again refuses and at the same time sends troops from Archduke Charles from Italy. They then remain in Hungary. Benedek and his remnants of the northern army retreat to Olomouc.

Mikulov armistice and the Prague Peace.

The main protagonists of the war.

Internal and foreign consequences.

After the war, Austria and Prussia gradually became closer.

List of used literature.

An essay focusing on the uniforms of the Royal Saxon Army and the contingent of the Principality of Saxony-Meiningen, allies of Austria. I drew from the sources of the famous German historian of the late 19th century, Professor Richard Knötel, who is also the author of the pictorial boards attached here, which form part of my private collection. Photographs from modern events, reminiscent of the 1866 war, serve as a suitable complement.