Episode 2.8
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
In this episode, I discuss the next target for Otto von Bismarck war like intensions, the Austria Empire. While it might seem like a giant in central Europe, this multi ethnic empire had many problems including Nationalism and lack of money. I give a detailed biograph of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph. I also outline the developing plans of the Prussian General Staff to attack Austria.
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Episode 2.7
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
Bismarck could have had his long planned for war with Austria in 1865 but he played the peacemaker, for a short while he worked to improve relations with Austria. In this episode I discuss why he did that when of course in 1866, he would indeed start a war with Austria but he wanted it at his time of choice.
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Episode 2.6
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
In this episode I look at the weapons that helped make the Prussian Army the powerful forces it was. The Needle Gun, a breach loaded rifle which gave the Prussian Infantry such a heavy rate of fire compared to the muzzle loaded smoothbore muskets of the Danish and Austrian Army. The Prussian artillery also the new breach loaded steel cannons.
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Episode 2.5
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
Following the Prussian victory at Dybbol, the Prussian and Austrian troops occupy Jutland as well as Schleswig. The Prussian Army crosses the narrow channel and captures the Danish island of Als. At first the Danish Government refuses to accept any comprise but the Danish King replaces that Government with one that realise the war is lost.
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Episode 2.4
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
The Prussian Army launches an attack on the Danish fortress of Dybbol in April 1864. It is a bloody battle but the Prussian capture the fortress and the Danish Army flees across a narrow channel in retreat. There were celebrations in Prussia at the victory, Bismarck and his forcing through the taxes to pay for an increased Prussian Army become more popular. A biography of Prussian War Minister General von Roon.
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Episode 2.3
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
The Prussian Army besiege the Danish fortress of Dybbol, after much effort and some time they bring up their artillery and bombard the Danish fortress, causing a great deal of damage to the Danish Gun positions. A biography of the Prussian Army commander in this battle, Prince Frederick Carl, he takes his time to prepare an attack and this episode takes the battle up to eve of that attack.
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Episode 2.2
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
The Danish Army defends a defensive line in Southern Schleswig, known as the Dannevirke. A Prussian Army attack upon it is repulsed but the Austrian Army does manage a break though forcing the Danish Army to withdraw in a very cold retreat, where they lose much of their artillery. A biography of the Danish Army commander General De Maza.
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Episode 2.1
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
In 1863, the previous Danish King died, the new King was Christian the Ninth. Under pressure from his Liberal Government he agreed to unite Schleswig into the Kingdom of Denmark. This was against a international treaty signed by Denmark and would led to war between Denmark and Prussia and Austria, the Second Schleswig War.
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Episode 1.10
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
The death of Prussian King Frederick William the Fourth, he is replaced by his brother William as King. The Liberals in the Prussian Parliament keep voting down the taxes needed for the Army reforms. Otto von Bismarck is summoned by the King to ne Prime Minister. Otto von Bismarck ignores the Prussian Parliament and bring in the new taxes. In a speech to the Prussian Parliament in his 'Blood and Iron' speech he speaks of the need for strong army.
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Episode 1.9
Bismarck's Wars - Blood and Iron
The poor performance of the Prussian Army during the mobilisation of 1850, led to the need for reforms to the Army. The reservist Landwehr would be reduced in importance. The size of the Prussian army would be increased and a new Army reserve created, all this would cost money. A biography of Prussian Army Chief of Staff General Helmut von Moltke.
info_outlineThe Prince of Hesse Kassel tries to restore his full right to control his state, the people force him out into exile and the Prince asks Austria for help. This crises led to a confrontation between Prussia and Austria which seems likely to end in war. The Prussian Army is mobilised but then the Prussian King backs down, agrees to end the Erfurt Union and re-join the Germen Confederation.