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The Franco-Prussian War – 1870: Wargame

Since the Treaty of Vienna of 1815, Prussia has been a rising power which increasingly asserts itself as the state around which the unity of the German nation is possible. Following the victory at Sadowa in 1866 against Austria, Prussia could have taken advantage to impose its domination over all the German states of the Confederation. However, the years following the Prussian victory in Bohemia did not allow any major progress in German unification and the Prussian leaders were convinced that an electric shock was essential to precipitate the movement. Prussia does not want to appear to be the aggressor and Bismarck wants it to be France's hostile attitude towards Germany that causes the German people to unite against an adversary.

2 players240 min

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About the game

What is The Franco-Prussian War – 1870: Wargame

The crisis of July 1870 over the succession to the Spanish throne led to the realization of this wish. France finds itself alone against Germany grouped around Prussia. The demographic weight of the two groups is approximately equivalent (around 38 million inhabitants on each side), even if the German population is younger.

The Imperial Army has had the opportunity to face several adversaries and therefore has some experience with fire. The Crimean War against Russia, the Italian War against Austria and also other conflicts of lower intensity such as in the colonies or in Mexico allowed the troops to become tougher and the officers to exercise their commands.

However, these clashes are quite different in nature from the conflict brewing against Prussia. The German army has a capable general in chief, Helmut Von Moltke, surrounded by a competent staff. On the French side, the army is under the orders of Napoleon III who, unlike his uncle, has little military skills but the French commanders are often brave men, exposing themselves to fire, and who have obtained their military medals thanks to their courage in leading their men into battle.

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