Italo-Prussian alliance against Austria, April 1866 (1866)

The Italo-Prussian Alliance was a military pact signed on 8 April 1866, directed against the Austrian Empire. The treaty resulted from Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck's decision to defeat Austria and Italian efforts to obtain Veneto. Key figures included Bismarck, Italian Prime Minister La Marmora, and General Giuseppe Govone, who negotiated the agreement in Berlin.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. In 1865, Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck decided to end Austrian influence by war. Italian diplomacy sought to obtain Veneto without bloodshed, offering money to Austria. Bismarck's diplomat Karl von Usedom asked Italian Prime Minister La Marmora about Italy's attitude in an Austro-Prussian conflict. France indicated neutrality, allowing Italy to join Prussia.

Negotiations. The Prussian Crown Council decided in favor of war and an alliance with Italy on 28 February 1866. General Giuseppe Govone arrived in Berlin on 10 March 1866. Costantino Nigra reported that the French emperor advised Italy to accept the alliance. La Marmora telegraphed favorable impressions of the draft treaty to his representative in Berlin on 28 March 1866.

Signing. The Italian-Prussian alliance treaty was signed in Berlin on 8 April 1866. The signatories were De Barral and Govone for Italy, and Bismarck for Prussia. The timing was considered perfect as other European powers were unable to intervene due to existing relations or domestic problems.

People involved

Sources

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