There were other disputes about Schleswig-Holstein and the affairs of Hesse, but this was the real point at issue.

The Austrians were armed, and were supported by the Czar and many of the German States; shots were actually exchanged between the Prussian and Bavarian outposts in Hesse.

The Austrian ambassador had orders to leave Berlin; had he done so, war could not have been avoided.

He disobeyed his orders, remained in Berlin, asked for an interview with the King, and used all his influence to persuade him to surrender.

The Ministry was divided; Radowitz stood almost alone; the other Ministers, Bismarck's friends, had always distrusted his policy.