Arms and back to Italy and runup to Spain

Lots of education today.  What is it that made the position of Prussia so central to the Industrial Revolution?  Bismarck, Moltke and Roon, and Garibaldi at Mentana.  Lots of cross-currents make it clear that the paucity of colonies may have been an advantage for Prussia.  They could concentrate on defeating France.  Details matter.

Military hardware

Today's 3000 words taught me a lot about the state of machinery for killing people in 1867.  The state of readiness is quite as important as the range and accuracy of one's cannons.  I also realize I have put together a good variety of sources for the book and don't really need another six months of research before I can write anything.  I will enjoy preparing an updated, improved edition, though.

Aftermath

The aftermath of the Austro-Prussian war gave Bismarck full rein for his talents.  I had never realized  until I read someof the sources for today's work how much he did, in his deceptively lazy way, to shore up the benefits of Königgrätz.  He may almost have done too much.  The Luxemberg crisis of 1867, though, proved both how necessary his efforts were and how good he was at what he did.  Wonders abound.

Through Sadowa

Bismarck's jolly adventures continue today.  Wow, how that guy could manipulate an alliance!  If he came back to life he'd teach the jokers today some tricks. Where's your magic hat, John Kerry?  You're going to need it!  And lots of ketchup.

Bismarck's operating style

Bismarck's wit and wisdom and practicality in the dog-eat-dog diplomatic world of the nineteenth century has always fascinated me.  Today's episode of the book delves into many of his fascinating demarches, with the help of Treitschke, Napoleon III and the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef.

The great Prussian had a number of fascinating habits, but primarily the tactic of concealing one interpretation of a fact by expressing a more outrageous one.  Clever fellow.

Run-up to the Austrian War

Made some distance today with getting Bismarck's plans going to make Prussia into the big dog in Europe.  It's hypnotizing to see the way he operated.  A model for all us aspiring international political kingpins!  He loved to get up at noon and stay up until two in the morning drinking, conversing and putting his deeplylaid plots into action.  Sounds like fun!

Schleswig Holstein

Piloted the ship a little closer to 1870, through the formerly Danish lowlands.  Bismarck is drawing me further into his mesmerizing mind.  I love to see plans come out as planned.  Makes one almost sorry for Bismarck's opponents.