The Austro-Prussian War of 1866 - Volume #1 Hanover - After a period of pro-Prussian policies adopted when Ernst Augustus acceded to the Hanoverian throne in 1837, his son George, who succeeded him in 1851, began to regard Prussia as a threat to his Kingdom. After the Second Schleswig War in 1864, his sympathies began to favor Austria. As the crisis between Austria and Prussia grew, the Hanoverian King declared with the majority of the south German states in supporting Austria’s cause. Ultimatums from Prussia in May of 1866 failed to dissuade him (despite the wishes of his people) and he soon found himself at war with his old ally. Hanover’s army was already mobilized in June of that year and he decided to move south to link up with his Bavarian and other south German allies, but they were unprepared to move north and the Prussians caught up with him at Langensalza. Despite a valiant battle, which in other circumstances would have been a victory, the Hanoverian army was forced to capitulate. This volume, by Mike Embree, continues his history of the Hanoverian Army from 1851 (see Book # 28 - The Hanoverian Army 1815-1850). It describes the structure, weapons and equipment of this army as well as an account of the battle of Langensalza. It contains 17 magnificently restored Knötel plates along with uniform descriptions. This is a tribute to a proud army whose 200 years of faithful and exemplary service ended with a train ride back to Hanover, which within a few weeks would be absorbed into the Kingdom of Prussia. - Uniformology Uniform Books