On July 3, 1866, the troops of Prussia faced the armies of Austria and Saxony at Königgrätz. Through this victory, Prussia was ultimately able to assert its dominance in Germany, allowing Bismarck to implement the small German solution. The battle is now considered a key event leading to the founding of the German Empire in 1871. In this volume of the marixwissen series, military historian Helmut Neuhold examines this crucial battle for European history, explaining its background, course, political and social contexts, key figures, and political consequences. He pays particular attention to the tactical and strategic aspects, as well as the technological innovations of the infamous needle gun.