Doubtless, Ministers counted on help from Austria or Italy, perhaps from both; but, as it proved, they judged too hastily.

As was stated in Chapter I.of this work, Austria was not likely to move as long as Russia favoured the cause of Prussia; for any threatening pressure of the Muscovites on the open flank of the Hapsburg States, Galicia, has sufficed to keep them from embarking on a campaign in the West.

In this case, the statesmen of Vienna are said to have known by July 20 that Russia would quietly help Prussia; she informed the Hapsburg Government that any increase in its armaments would be met by a corresponding increase in those of Russia.

The meaning of such a hint was clear; and Austria decided not to seek revenge for Koeniggraetz unless the French triumph proved to be overwhelming.

As for Italy, her alliance with France alone was very improbable for the reasons previously stated.
Another will o' the wisp which flitted before the ardent Bonapartists who pushed on the Emperor to war, was that the South German States would forsake the North and range their troops under the French eagles, as they had done in the years 1805-12.