Olmütz Punctation of 1850

an agreement between Prussia and Austria signed on November 29 in Olmiitz (present-day Olomouc, Czechoslovakia) by O. T. von Manteuffel and F. von Schwarzenberg, the heads of government of Prussia and Austria, respectively.

The conclusion of the Olmütz Punctation followed Prussia’s unsuccessful attempt in 1849–50 to create a confederation of the majority of German states under its aegis; the attempt evoked strong opposition from Austria, as well as displeasure from Russia and France. According to the agreement, which was concluded through the mediation of Russia, Prussia was forced to temporarily renounce any unilateral steps toward eliminating the territorial and political fragmentation of Germany, which had been sanctioned by the Congress of Vienna of 1814–15, and toward creating a confederation of German states under its domination. The Olmütz Punctation, which was the last victory of Austrian diplomacy in the struggle with Prussia, was swept away by the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, which led to the formation of the North German Confederation under Prussia’s leadership.