The Franco-Prussian War was a conflict fought between the Second French Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia from 1870 to 1871. The war began due to rising tensions over territorial disputes and the desire of Prussia, led by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, to unify the German states under its leadership. The war saw several key battles, with Prussian forces quickly gaining the upper hand. The defeat of France led to the fall of the French Empire and the establishment of the German Empire in 1871. This war significantly altered the balance of power in Europe and set the stage for future conflicts, including World War I.