The Seven Weeks' War between Prussia and Austria in 1866 was largely engineered by Otto von Bismarck in a bid to reaffirm Prussia's dominance as leader of the German states.
Early in the campaign, Bismarck sanctioned General Manteuffel's divisions to cross the River Elbe into Austrian territory. "Treat them as fellow countrymen," Bismarck ordered the general, "homicidally if necessary."
Sources
C. Shriner, Wit, Wisdom and Foibles of the Great
