Why wasn't the Kingdom of Saxony annexed by expanding Prussia after the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, unlike other similarly significant kingdoms who also fought for Austria, like Hanover and Hesse-Kassel?
If Saxony had indeed been annexed by Prussia after being defeated in 1866, what would the ramifications be? How would the other Great Powers, the South German kingdoms, and the North German duchies then allied to Prussia react? If everything proceeds as OTL and the German Empire still forms, what would a Prussian Saxony entail for imperial politics, seeming as Berlin already pretty much dominated the country through the sheer size of its economy IOTL?
 
Because Franz Josef insisted on this (Saxony had been his most loyal ally) and threatened to continue the war if it was refused. Bismarck was keen to end the war asap, for fear that France might intervene if it dragged on, so he agreed, and annexed a generous slab of other northern states in lieu.

As for its effect on German politics, probably very little. Prussian domination of the NGC and later of he Second Reich would have been somewhat greater, but it was pretty overwhelming anyway.
 
Franz Joseph was a chivalrous friend. But what if he couldn’t pull off this concession? Would the annexation of Saxony save Hanover?
 
Why wasn't the Kingdom of Saxony annexed by expanding Prussia after the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, unlike other similarly significant kingdoms who also fought for Austria, like Hanover and Hesse-Kassel?
If Saxony had indeed been annexed by Prussia after being defeated in 1866, what would the ramifications be? How would the other Great Powers, the South German kingdoms, and the North German duchies then allied to Prussia react? If everything proceeds as OTL and the German Empire still forms, what would a Prussian Saxony entail for imperial politics, seeming as Berlin already pretty much dominated the country through the sheer size of its economy IOTL?
It woulnt Chang much, Saxony was for all intents and purposes anexted into Prussia, it had to surrender sovereignty to the north German confederation, and completly reorganize it's army to the prussian-i mean north German confederation army. Basicly it became a part of the larger German nation under Prussia like most other German nations after the Franco Prussian war.
 
It woulnt Chang much, Saxony was for all intents and purposes anexted into Prussia, it had to surrender sovereignty to the north German confederation, and completly reorganize it's army to the prussian-i mean north German confederation army. Basicly it became a part of the larger German nation under Prussia like most other German nations after the Franco Prussian war.
I'm aware of that, but the thing that i'm confused about is why Prussia allowed Saxony to keep its own king, constitution and diet, whereas Hanover was annexed fully. It's not like Saxony would be able to break off from the Prussian yoke after 1866.
 
I'm currently listening to "The Pursuit of Power" by Richard J. Evans on Audible and I think annexing Saxony would have little effect on Prussia except for some little industrial benefits. In the book IIRC I believe Bismarck called for the annexation of Hanover in order to connect the more industrial and dense Rhine and Westphalia provinces to the main Prussian territories, which are mostly rural save for cities like Berlin, Magdeburg, Königsberg, Stettin, etc...
 
King Wilhelm seems to have viewed it as a bit of unfinished business. Frederick the Great had tried to annex Saxony in the 7YW but failed, and in 1814 FW3 tried again but had to settle for part of it. So Wilhelm wanted Saxony, or at least a further portion of it (accounts differ) together with some adjoining Austrian territory. These had been his principal opponents and he felt, logically enough, that they should pay the price. Regarding Hanover et al, he would have been satisfied with indemnities and the abdication of the current rulers in favour of heirs-apparent.

Bismarck begged to differ. He was already anticipating future conflict with France, and didn't wasn't a vengeful Austria joining her, so was anxious to let Austria off as lightly as possible. So he was willing to leave Austria and Saxony intact. But of course he had to offer the King a consolation prize, and the rulers of Hanover etc paid the price.
 
I'm aware of that, but the thing that i'm confused about is why Prussia allowed Saxony to keep its own king, constitution and diet, whereas Hanover was annexed fully. It's not like Saxony would be able to break off from the Prussian yoke after 1866.
Because Saxony wasn't blocking Prussia from the immensely important rhinland. Hanover was, plus bizmarks got what he wanted economic and military integration ment Saxony was annexed deger, even if defacto it was still independent.
 
Because Saxony wasn't blocking Prussia from the immensely important rhinland. Hanover was

It wasn't once incorporated into the NGC. Point was that Franz Josef didn't feel as strongly abot Hanover as about Saxony, so wouldn't prolong the war for her sake - and Bizzy didn't want the war prolonged.
 
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