The Franco-Prussian War
1870 was a disaster for France causing that nation to thirst for a chance to avenge their territorial losses. On the other side of the hill the war led to the establishment of a united German empire headed by Prussia.
The War
Waged between the Germans and the French, the war of 1870 would determine the dominant military power in continental Europe into the 20th Century.
The Depot
1870 would see the development of weapons which would transform the practice of warfare although not all learned its lessons, to their great harm.
Gaming 1870
Because of the large battles, colorful uniforms, and varied types of units, this war is also studied and refought in miniature on hobby wargame tables around the world.
The Art
This war was richly documented via the brush, the camera, and the pen.
The Library
It was intensely studied by militaries around the world to prepare for the next conflict and intensely documented.
Why 1870?
Large, colorfully uniformed armies with diverse types of units.
Large-scale battles, many of which were very close-run affairs with lots of "what if" scenarios.
The fall of one empire. The rise of another.
Seeds sown of a future, yet more terrible war...
Today's Snapshot
"General Frossard, undefeated, thought he had been defeated, and so he was.
General von Zastrow was half-defeated, but refused to be so was not.
This was the secret of the Prussian victory."
- French historian