After Prussia and Austria emerged victorious in the Second Schleswig War, Schleswig and Holstein were ceded by Denmark and came under joint administration by Prussia and Austria. However, disagreements about the administration soon arose, leading to tensions. This conflict eventually led to a fight for dominance over the German states. Additionally, Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck diplomatically isolated Austria by securing alliances with Italy and neutralizing potential threats from France and Russia. These tensions and the desire for dominance ultimately led to the formal declaration of war by Prussia against Austria on June 14, 1866.