June 14, 1866.
Prussia declared war on Austria, citing Austria's poor management of Holstein.
On the day of the declaration, the Prussian Army on the western front launched a blitzkrieg attack on the North German states, swiftly taking control of these states' governments and railway hubs.
Due to the longstanding influence and marriages of the Austrian Habsburg family, only a few German states with minimal military strength supported Prussia, while those of slightly larger size sided with Austria.
At the last German Confederation meeting, Prussia's attempt to resolve the German question by force was rejected by many countries present.
This meeting made Prussia realize it had virtually no allies in the German region, so after war broke out, Prussia quickly declared war on these small North German states.
At this time, Prussia was divided into two parts on the map, with these fragmented German states in between.
