Topic 3:
Austro-Prussian Rivalry 1852-1866
, Austrian Strengths & weaknesses 1852-62
1. Political influence in Germany
- Franz Joseph became Emperor in 1848 during the revolutions. He aimed to
preserve Habsburg dominance & believed in the DRK.
- Ruled as an absolute monarch with centralised power and conservative values,
resisting liberal or nationalist reforms.
- Punctuation of Olomouc 1850: diplomatic agreement where Prussia backed
down from its attempt to unify Germany (via the Erfurt Union) and accepted
Austrian dominance in the German Confederation. Prussia gave in due to
military unpreparedness. This reasserted Austrian authority especially with
control of the Federal diet, but only temporarily delayed Prussia’s rise.
- Crimean War 1853:
- Russia wanted to gain territory in the Ottoman Empire so went to war with
them & B & F. Russia expected support from Austria because Russia had
helped Austria in the Austria-Hungarian war in 1848.
- When Austria mobilised it army to guard territory in the Balkans, instead of
supporting Russia, it exposed Russia to being weak & left Austria isolated,
having alienated a powerful ally.
- Prussia benefitted because Austria was seen as weak for reassessing their
diplomatic strategies.
- LT impact – set stages for 7 weeks war.
2. Economic & financial problems
- Austria was not investing in Industrialisation & urbanisation as quickly as
surrounding countries especially Prussia.
- Absolute state of power meant that if FJ wasn’t interested in industrialisation it
was going to happen (or you had to build it yourself)
- Austria’s mountainous terrain hindered railways, and the cost of the Hungarian
revolt (requiring Russian help) left Austria financially weak and politically
unstable.
3. Rejection from the Zollverein
- All German states were part of it except Austria, Mecklenburg & SH
- Austria wanted to join the Zollverein to regain economic influence but was
rejected due to its high tariffs and inefficient economy. Prussia opposed its
entry, fearing Austrian control over the union would undermine its leadership.
4. International Setbacks
Austro-Prussian Rivalry 1852-1866
, Austrian Strengths & weaknesses 1852-62
1. Political influence in Germany
- Franz Joseph became Emperor in 1848 during the revolutions. He aimed to
preserve Habsburg dominance & believed in the DRK.
- Ruled as an absolute monarch with centralised power and conservative values,
resisting liberal or nationalist reforms.
- Punctuation of Olomouc 1850: diplomatic agreement where Prussia backed
down from its attempt to unify Germany (via the Erfurt Union) and accepted
Austrian dominance in the German Confederation. Prussia gave in due to
military unpreparedness. This reasserted Austrian authority especially with
control of the Federal diet, but only temporarily delayed Prussia’s rise.
- Crimean War 1853:
- Russia wanted to gain territory in the Ottoman Empire so went to war with
them & B & F. Russia expected support from Austria because Russia had
helped Austria in the Austria-Hungarian war in 1848.
- When Austria mobilised it army to guard territory in the Balkans, instead of
supporting Russia, it exposed Russia to being weak & left Austria isolated,
having alienated a powerful ally.
- Prussia benefitted because Austria was seen as weak for reassessing their
diplomatic strategies.
- LT impact – set stages for 7 weeks war.
2. Economic & financial problems
- Austria was not investing in Industrialisation & urbanisation as quickly as
surrounding countries especially Prussia.
- Absolute state of power meant that if FJ wasn’t interested in industrialisation it
was going to happen (or you had to build it yourself)
- Austria’s mountainous terrain hindered railways, and the cost of the Hungarian
revolt (requiring Russian help) left Austria financially weak and politically
unstable.
3. Rejection from the Zollverein
- All German states were part of it except Austria, Mecklenburg & SH
- Austria wanted to join the Zollverein to regain economic influence but was
rejected due to its high tariffs and inefficient economy. Prussia opposed its
entry, fearing Austrian control over the union would undermine its leadership.
4. International Setbacks
