The first modern European War, the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 saw the use of bolt action rifles, machine guns and railway transport, and the introduction of professional general staff. It led to the foundation of Germany as a unified, militaristic nation, and was central to France's military development, influencing her disastrous tactics in 1914. The German armies involved were led by that of Prussia, yet non-Prussian forces were numerically extremely important to the Northern Federation and its southern allies. This book details the large independent armies of Bavaria and Saxony as well as the smaller state contingents that nevertheless represented an important element of Germany's military strength.