Prussia was in an awkward position. Although it had always held the second seat in the German Confederation, its status was far below what it had been at the same point in history.
It all went back to when the Austrian Empire joined the Zollverein. Austria's entry directly overturned the balance within the Customs Union.
Before Austria joined, Prussia had been the undisputed heavyweight of North Germany, completely overwhelming the other states.
But Austria's arrival sent South Germany's strength soaring, putting it far ahead of North Germany in an instant. As the Austrian Empire's economy rose, there was no doubt that Austria would become the leading power in the Zollverein.
On top of that, the German Confederation continued expanding abroad and consolidating its states through dynastic unification at home. Many states had gained the strength to stand toe-to-toe with Prussia.
The conflict between Prussia's central government and the Rhineland gave ambitious men fresh hope. They thought they could contend for second place under Austria's leadership.
Franz had also placed Prussia on the front line against France and Russia. Prussia's situation was now beset by troubles at home and abroad, with powerful enemies on every side.
Bismarck had little faith in Prussia at this point. In terms of both national strength and the political landscape, Prussia had already lost.
Whether Prussia won or lost a war against Austria, it would only bring about its own destruction.
If it lost, that went without saying. Even if Austria didn't pursue the matter, those brothers in the German Confederation would tear Prussia apart.
But even if it won, Prussia might not be able to hold on to the throne of German supremacy. Challengers were everywhere within the country, while France and Russia certainly wouldn't want Germany to have a true hegemon.
As it happened,