The Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871

Osprey Essential Histories #51

by Stephen Badsey

The Franco-Prussian War broke out in 1870 when Bismarck engineered a war with the French Second Empire under Napoleon III. This was part of his wider political strategy of uniting Prussia with the southern German states, excluding Austria. The war was an overwhelming Prussian victory, and King Wilhelm I was proclaimed Emperor of the new united Germany. The Second Empire collapsed and Napoleon III became an exile in Britain. In the peace settlement with the French Third Republic in 1871 Germany gained the eastern French provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, areas that were to provide a bone of contention for years to come.

Genres: History, Military History, Nonfiction, War, European History, Germany, 19th Century

96 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2003

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical event I have been meaning to learn more about for years. This was the perfect book for that intro to the subject. nicely laid out and well written. Recommended

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn good book. I always wondered why the war started - - who started it - - and wanted to know if Germany invaded France via Luxembourg and Belgium (as they did in 1914 and 1940). The major players - the aftermath - the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine . . . all there. I enjoyed the book - - have no complaints - - and highly recommend it.

[Patrick Sanfilippo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite informative

This was a really excellent book. I've always known the basics of this war from history classes that have covered a large span of time so it was nice to read something more substantive on the topic. The book also provides interesting insight into the future consequences of the war. Overall a very interesting read.

[Yooperprof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lavishly illustrated and short.

[Dick Heimbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK why am I reading about the Franco-Prussian War? It is one of those areas I put off to the leisure years of retirement. German history and culture have been interests of mine over the years, awaken by being married to a German and having experienced many enjoyable travels there over the years. I knew of the Franco-Prussian War and Bismarck’s involvement, and I visited the enormous, heroic statue of Germania along the Rhein that commemorates the victory of Germany in that war. But not much else. This book filled in the details in a compact four hours and seventeen minutes of listening on Audible. The book describes the power contests among European states at the time in concise way and the events that led to France starting the war. France, the major power on the continent, was defeated by German forces from Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony. The Prussians had plans for mobilization, concentration of forces, and engagement. The French didn’t. Nor did they have a general staff of experts to advise the leaders of the campaign, as did the Prussians. Napoleon III decided he personally would lead the French, but he was incompetent, lost a big battle and surrendered. As did other French Corps facing the Germans at the start of the war. A defensive line was thrown up around Paris; Republican personalities came to power; and the Prussians surrounded and laid siege to the city to starve the French into an armistice. Parisian leftist declared a commune to govern France that was later beaten by conservative army forces during the Prussian siege, giving rise to the third Republic, which agreed to an armistice with a brand-new German empire that included Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony and over two dozen separate states and signed the Treaty of Frankfurt that began a span of great power peace in Europe that lasted until WWI. The war established Germany as the most powerful country in continental Europe supplanting France in that role.

[Sylvia Snowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened on audiobook. An interesting but brief history of an important but little-mentioned conflict. The FrancoPrussian War was probably where my great-great-grandfather, a German peasant from a village near Posen--lost his life. He left behind a four year old orphaned son, who was raised in an orphanage, later escaping to the American midwest. I say escape because he, too, was supposed to enter the military at 18, but decided against it. Anyway, I was interested in learning more about this pivotal European War. Someone mentioned online that it isn't even studied in Germany today, yet its result, a horrendous bloodbath for the French, was probably the root of smoldering hatred towards the German people. I appreciated the examination of the rather delusional nature of Napoleon III, and how the French assumed the German Catholic principalities would join with the French against the Protestant Prussians. The German people were unusual in that they had both Protestants and Catholics, where most European countries were either/or. They united over their shared language and culture, a form of modern nationalism. For good or bad.

This was a horrifying war. Many thousands of innocent young men died for no good reason. Yet it was only a precursor to WWI and WWII. Read it and weep. Or listen on audio.

[Declan Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Osprey Essential Histories book this time covering a war of the late 19th Century. A war between Bismark and Napoleon III and the birth of a united Germany.

Whilst I had previously heard of the war and had some idea of it, this was a great introduction to it, and an opportunity to reset my knowledge and learn about a conflict which is now mostly forgotten. I grew up in the UK where European History isn't taught as standard, and this has been a great addition to fill a glaring gap!

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this not too much depth, but great way to find out about the Franco Prussian war, which I had very little idea about.
The pictures are amazing and give you a feel of the politics and horror of ordinary men suddenly caught up in a life and death struggle.
Only negative is I would have liked more description of the battles. I feel that these struggles were glossed over far too quickly.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short introduction and overview

Succinct and readable introduction to the most consequential war most readers know very little about. Recommended place to start learning about this 19th century war that was the gateway to the industrialized slaughters of the 20th century.

[Shane Kiely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arguably does the best with the material available. There’s a good level of background & context for the conflict but the crush Franco Prussian War in & of itself isn’t that interesting of a subject. It was basically won with logistics beforehand so there isn’t much for anyone interested in military history to really sink their teeth into. It’s a solid account of an underwhelming topic.

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Osprey series on wars is usually a dud, but this book might be the best. It is comprehensive and not confusing and fair in its treatment of events and people. The maps and images are first class. This is a perfect introduction to the war.

[Almantas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Osprey Publishing publication. A great summary of grandiose events. A good case study of unintended consequences and second- and third-order effects,

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good survey of events. This is probably the place to start before jumping into a more detailed history, since it provides the broad outline needed for those unfamiliar with the war.

[Frédéric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview of the conflict (who, when why, etc.).
The battles will need other books if you want more details but you can't expect a 96 page book to recollect every actions of the conflict. Of course all the political aspects are not covered but it is largely enough to get the main idea.
Being written by an anglo-saxon it thankfully lacks any stance or bias as far The Commune is concerned (which is not always the case when french authors are concerned, the Commune being quite a sensitive subject).
Highly recommended as a starter if you want to go further and just the same if you don't.

[André · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Franco Prussian war was a conflict that has led to the unifacation of one great Germany and the fall of the second empire. In order for Bismarck to lure the south German states into the North German confederation. They must declare war, and France is the perfect target. After multiple victories won by the Germans, the French finally surrendered and gave up two provinces. France is now just a minor european country, and now Bismarck has achieved his dream of a unified Germany.

[Robert Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like I said before

Same complaints as before in the other two books in this series for the most part. I won't bore you guys by repeating myself. If you want something more complete I hear there is a book on the war written by molkte himself if your interested. You can by it for a cheap price on the kindle bookstore.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Workmanlike account of the war.

[Loren · Rating 2 out of 5]

While far from a fascinating read it does offer some context to the nineteenth century, especially when it comes to the relationship and growing animosity/rivalry between France and Germany.

[Paul Pryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read (at the time of this review) any other material about this conflict- but I’m happy to say, I enjoyed this read.