The Mission of Vincent Benedetti to Berlin 1864–1870

The historical significance of the period 1864-1870, epitomized by the establishment of Prussian hegemony in Gennany, has been per­ petuated in numerous studies. The diplomatic history of these decisive years has proven especially fascinating, for the fundamental changes in Gennany's political frame had a momentous influence upon the course of European history. The war of 1866 destroyed the last vestiges of Austrian supremacy in Gennany and inaugurated a reorganization under Prussian domination. The international repercussions of this transfonnation in the heart of Europe are fully reflected in the diplo­ macy of the period, in view of the disruptive effect upon the existing power equilibrium. The manner in which Napoleon III and his govern­ ment reacted to the events was of crucial portent for the future of his empire. An inquiry into Ambassador Benedetti's mission to Berlin contributes materially to an understanding of imperial diplomacy, primarily as related to Prussia, in this critical period. The present study was suggested by Dr. Lynn M. Case and began to take shape in his seminars on European diplomatic history. Bene­ detti's constant association with French diplomacy between 1864 and 1870 seemed to warrant a detailed and critical examination of his mission. Despite the advent of the telegraph diplomatic representa­ tives continued to fonn an important part of the diplomatic appa­ ratus and Benedetti was no exception. Past studies based exclusively on his career are very few. Frensdorff's Preussische Jahrbucher article appeared shortly after the outbreak of the war in 1870.