Königgrätz 1866: The Creation of Modern Germany

An in-depth look at one of the biggest set-piece battles and one of the most decisive in European history pre-WWI.

Growing friction between the centuries-old Austrian Empire, self-styled guardian of Germany, and the smaller but more dynamic Prussian Empire led to war between the two countries. In June 1866, three Prussian armies crossed into Bohemia, and brushed aside the hastily assembled Austrian forces that stood in their path. The battered Austrians fell back to the town of Könnigrätz (n...