Age of Bismarck #9: Winning the Peace
Added 2025-01-23 06:30:01 +0000 UTC[PATRONS]
As Bismarck surveyed the stunning extent of Prussia's military victory over Austria in July 1866, one problem immediately loomed into view. Where once he had driven the Prussians reluctantly into war, the Iron Chancellor now found that restraining their thirst for conquest was an even greater challenge than beating the Austrian foe.
What was more, external pressures meant that pulling his countrymen back from overextension was critical. Napoleon III was watching on from the sidelines, envious of Bismarck's successes, and prodded forward by fame-seeking courtiers. Should France intervene on the side of Vienna, Prussia could be doomed. To prevent this triumph becoming a catastrophe, it was vital Prussia made peace, and left Austria with a measure of dignity. But would his fellow Prussians listen? Bismarck was determined, as ever, to make them.
