Franco-Prussian War: Austria and Prussia's Declaration of War on France

Correction: It was Prussia (leading the North German Confederation) that declared war on France, not Austria. Austria had been defeated by Prussia in 1866 (Austro-Prussian War) and was not a belligerent in 1870.

Key Dates

• July 19, 1870: France declares war on Prussia (after Ems Dispatch manipulation).
• July 19, 1870: North German Confederation (Prussia + allies) mobilizes; effectively war begins.
• September 2, 1870: Battle of Sedan – Napoleon III captured.
• January 28, 1871: Paris surrenders; armistice.
• May 10, 1871: Treaty of Frankfurt signed.

Outcome

• Proclamation of German Empire (Jan 18, 1871, Versailles).
• France cedes Alsace-Lorraine; pays 5B gold francs indemnity.
• End of Second Empire; Third Republic established.

Austria-Hungary remained neutral, though watched closely. The war unified Germany under Prussian dominance.