The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) - Class Notes
Date: November 8, 2023 (Example Date)
1. Causes of the War:
• Prussian Ambition: Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian Chancellor, aimed to unify Germany
under Prussian leadership. He saw a war with France as a way to achieve this goal, uniting the
southern German states against a common enemy.
• French Concerns: France, under Napoleon III, feared the growing power of Prussia. A
successful war was seen as a way to restore French prestige and maintain its dominance in
Europe.
• The Hohenzollern Candidacy: The immediate trigger was the candidacy of a Hohenzollern
prince for the Spanish throne. France feared encirclement by a Prussian-backed monarch in
Spain. Bismarck skillfully manipulated the situation (Ems Dispatch) to provoke France into
declaring war.
2. Key Players:
• Prussia: Led by King Wilhelm I and Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. The Prussian army, led by
Helmuth von Moltke, was well-organized and technologically advanced.
• France: Under Emperor Napoleon III. The French army, while brave, was plagued by outdated
tactics and leadership issues.
• Other German States: Bavaria, Württemberg, Baden, and others joined Prussia, contributing
to the German war effort.
3. Course of the War:
• Early Prussian Victories: The Prussians quickly gained the upper hand, winning decisive
battles at Sedan, Wörth, and Gravelotte.
• Capture of Napoleon III: The Battle of Sedan was a crushing defeat for the French, resulting
in the capture of Napoleon III and the collapse of the Second Empire.
• Siege of Paris: The Prussians besieged Paris for over four months. The city endured hardship
and famine before finally surrendering.
• French Resistance: After the fall of the Second Empire, a new French government continued
the war, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
4. Key Battles:
• Sedan (September 1, 1870): A decisive Prussian victory, leading to the capture of Napoleon III
and the fall of the Second Empire.
• Gravelotte (August 18, 1870): A bloody battle with heavy casualties on both sides, but
ultimately a Prussian victory.
• Siege of Paris (September 19, 1870 - January 28, 1871): A long and grueling siege that tested
the resilience of the Parisian population.
5. Consequences of the War:
• Unification of Germany: The war led to the creation of the German Empire, with Wilhelm I as
Emperor. This significantly altered the balance of power in Europe.
• French Defeat and Humiliation: France suffered a humiliating defeat, losing Alsace and
Lorraine to Germany and paying a large indemnity. This fostered a desire for revenge
(revanchism) that would contribute to future conflicts.
• Rise of Germany: Germany emerged as a major power in Europe, challenging Britain's naval
dominance and playing a significant role in international affairs.
• Franco-German Rivalry: The war created a deep-seated rivalry between France and Germany,
which would continue to shape European politics for decades to come.
6. Significance:
• The Franco-Prussian War was a pivotal event in European history, marking the end of French
dominance and the rise of a unified Germany.
• It had a profound impact on the political landscape of Europe, contributing to the tensions and
rivalries that would eventually lead to World War I.
• The war also demonstrated the growing importance of military technology and organization in
modern warfare.
