Seven Weeks' War

Seven Weeks' War (Austro-Prussian War, June 16-August 23,1866), conflict between Austria (and its German allies), led by Field Marshal Lieutenant von Benedek, and Prussia (and its Italian ally) under Helmuth Karl von Moltke, over control of the Danish duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. Austria declared war on Prussia on June 14, 1866, and the decisive battle was fought July 3 at Königgrätz in Bohemia, resulting in a Prussian victory. The war ended formally on Aug. 23 with the Treaty of Prague. It gave Prussia undisputed leadership of the new North German Confederacy, effectively ending Austrian influence in German affairs.