Battles & Campaigns · 1866
Battle of Langensalza
Bad Langensalza, Germany
What happened
Flies disobeyed orders and attacked the larger Hanoverian army near Langensalza. The Hanoverians drove his troops back and captured more than 900 Prussians. But the fight delayed Hanover's march, and larger Prussian forces closed in from north and south.
Why it matters
Two days later King George surrendered, ending the Hanoverian army and leading to Hanover becoming part of Prussia. It is called the last time German states fought each other in battle.
What came next
Prussia occupied Hanover and quickly overran Kassel and Saxony, moving toward a united Germany.
Did you know?
Langensalza was the first combat mission of the Red Cross: 30 trained volunteer nurses from Gotha cared for the wounded.
Timeline
- 27 Jun 1866Battle of Langensalza.
- 29 Jun 1866King George V surrenders at Nordhausen.
- 3 Jul 1866Battle of Königgrätz.
- 23 Aug 1866Peace of Prague ends the war.