The unification of Germany, c1840–71 - 3 Austro- Prussian rivalry,…

The idea

Between 1862 and 1866, Bismarck pursued Prussian dominance, aiming to exclude Austria from German affairs. Austria attempted to reform the German Confederation to strengthen its influence, but failed. The 1863 Polish Revolt led to the Alvensleben Convention, a Russo-Prussian agreement securing Russian goodwill for Bismarck while isolating Austria. In 1864, Austria and Prussia jointly intervened in Denmark over Schleswig-Holstein, but administering the duchies caused conflict. Bismarck prepared for war by securing alliances, isolating Austria, and reforming the army. The Seven Weeks’ War of 1866 resulted in a decisive Prussian victory, leading to the dissolution of the German Confederation and establishing Prussian hegemony in northern Germany.

What earns the marks

• Bismarck’s aims: to make Prussia the dominant power in Germany, exclude Austria from German affairs, and unify Germany under Prussian leadership.
• Austrian attempts to reform the Confederation: Austria proposed reforms to the German Confederation to increase its influence and counter Prussia, but these were resisted by Prussia and other states.
• Significance of the Polish Revolt: the 1863 revolt led to the Alvensleben Convention between Prussia and Russia, which secured Russian neutrality and isolated Austria diplomatically.
• Austro-Prussian intervention in Denmark: in 1864, the two powers defeated Denmark and gained control of Schleswig and Holstein, but the joint administration led to disputes over sovereignty and eventual conflict.
• Bismarck’s preparations for war: he secured Russian neutrality, French neutrality, and an Italian alliance, isolated Austria diplomatically, and ensured the Prussian army was ready for conflict.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking the Polish Revolt directly caused the Seven Weeks’ War.

  Put it right: It contributed to diplomatic realignments by securing Russian neutrality for Prussia, but the immediate cause was the dispute over Schleswig-Holstein.

• Assuming Austria and Prussia were enemies throughout the 1860s.

  Put it right: They cooperated in 1864 against Denmark, and their rivalry intensified only after the joint administration of the duchies failed.

• Believing the Seven Weeks’ War was a long, drawn-out conflict.

  Put it right: It was a short, decisive war lasting about seven weeks, demonstrating the effectiveness of Bismarck's preparations and Prussian military reforms.

Exam tips

• When discussing Bismarck’s aims, distinguish between short-term diplomatic goals and long-term unification objectives.
• Use the outcomes of the Seven Weeks’ War to explain how Prussia became the leading German power and how Austria was excluded.
• Link the Polish Revolt and Danish intervention to the broader theme of Austro-Prussian rivalry, showing how each event shifted the balance of power.