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Franz Josef and his advisors would not budge on the issues of Italy, Germany and Hungary until they were beaten militarily. What if a smart advisor brought the emperor around to honesty rather than hubris or honor?
What face saving compromises could have garnered better outcomes for Austria than war? An earlier Ausgleich more favorable to Austria? A conciliatory approach at Olmutz leading to an enduring Austrian sphere of influence in South Germany? A partition treaty with France leading to something similar in Italy?