Franco-Prussian War (19 lugl 1870 anni – 10 magg 1871 anni)

Descrizione:

The conflict was caused by Prussian ambitions to extend German unification and French fears of the shift in the European balance of power that would result if the Prussians succeeded.

In July 1870, the French parliament declared war on the German Kingdom of Prussia and hostilities began three days later. The German coalition mobilized its troops much more quickly than the French and rapidly invaded northeastern France. The German forces were superior in numbers, had better training and leadership and made more effective use of modern technology, particularly railroads and artillery.

A series of swift Prussian and German victories in eastern France, saw Napoleon III captured and the army of the Second Empire decisively defeated. The Third Republic was declared in Paris in September and continued the war for another five months. Following the Siege of Paris, the capital fell In January 1871.

The German states proclaimed their union as the German Empire under the Prussian king Wilhelm I, finally uniting Germany as a nation-state. The Treaty of Frankfurt of 10 May 1871 gave Germany most of Alsace and some parts of Lorraine.

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