With a few exceptions I believe the general view, at least on this board, is that if the French tried to get involved in the Austro-Prussian War it is probable that the Prussians can still manage to knock the Austrians out of the war before the French can play a useful part.
But is that really true - I have some serious questions which remain:
1. If France enters the war early does Italy concentrate against Austria? Even when they did they got whipped at Custozza but if the Italians pull troops for a potential French front does that mean the Austrians can redeploy more troops to the Prussian front?
2. What aid, if any can be given the Hanoverians, by France at the early stage? The Hanoverians managed to whip their weight (and more) in Prussians but were effectively outnumbered further, in poor supply, and cut off from ready support from other nations. Can this change with France in the war?
3. How much of a near run thing was Koniggratz? Does the prospect of French intervention (eventually) cause the Austrians (or Prussians) to play the campaign significantly different?
4. If all goes as history in OTL what happens if Austria refuses to quit with the Prussians at the door of Vienna? Does Prussia kick it in and risk the dissolution of Austria or get sucked deeper into the Austrian Empire as the French finally organise and march on Germany proper?
I am trying to consider the impact of a more robust Austrian friendly France on how this whole war might play out...Thanks.