Antiquity of the Hohenzollerns

The dynasty of the Hohenzollerns of Prussia has a greater antiquity than any other family reigning in Europe. This dynasty received their sceptre at the hands of Sigismond, in the fifteenth century, and have transmitted it without dispute to the present time.

While the family has never had much dominion, it was brought into historic prominence by being connected with the origin of the Franco-Prussian war in 1870-71. The Prince Hohenzollern was invited to take the Spanish crown. As he is a near relation of the reigning family of Prussia, France objected, and properly, to finding herself placed between "two Prussias." Although the prince declined the crown, France intemperately demanded of Prussia that she would never put a Prussian prince upon the throne of Spain. The Prussian king felt insulted, refused to make such a promise, and the war ensued.