11. The Franco-Prussian War (1870-71)
The Franco-Prussian War, fought from July 19, 1870, to May 10, 1871, was a pivotal conflict between the Second French Empire and the North German Confederation led by Prussia. Major hostilities were decided after just a few weeks, notably with the Battle of Sedan on September 1-2, 1870, where French Emperor Napoleon III was captured. This swift defeat led to the collapse of the French Empire and the proclamation of the German Empire on January 18, 1871, fundamentally altering the European power balance.
