ABSTRACT
Otto von Bismarck’s irreducible terms comprised the extrusion of Austria from Germany, the federation of the North under Prussian leadership, the abandonment by Austria to Prussia of Queen rights in Schleswig and Holstein, and cessions of territory by Hanover, Saxony, and the other occupied States. In the tourney of diplomacy produced by the Austro-Prussian quarrel straightforwardness was often at a discount, but for versatility the part played by Louis Napoleon carried the palm. The manifesto created a bad impression in Prussia, where it was regarded as a sign that France, though keeping out of the struggle, was determined to have a hand in shaping its results. The King of Prussia had a personal interest in the attitude of Saxony, Hanover, and electoral Hesse, because of kinship with their Sovereigns. The Hungarian Legion cost Prussia in money, from first to last, the trifle of a quarter of a million thalers, but the loss to her and Bismarck’s reputation was more serious.
