Feature Death and Sacrifice in the Franco-Prussian War The conflict that broke out between France and an ambitious new German state 150 years ago can lay claim to be the first modern war. Karine Varley | Published in History Today Volume 70 Issue 8 August 2020 To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.