[1] However, Prussian victory over France in the War of 1871 and the unification of the South German states with Prussia caused great Imperial mistrust of Potocki's largely German-Liberal cabinet.
Though the Articles included at least a superficial recognition of the 1867 constitution, they would have radically altered the basic structure of the Austro-Hungarian political entity, and the position of the Czech lands within it.
[3] Simultaneously, staunch Magyar opposition, led by Hungarian Prime Minister Gyula Andrássy may have also contributed to the Fundamental Articles' ultimate rejection.
Since the Articles meant the reorganization of the Cisleithanian portion of the Empire based on Federalism for the Nationalities, it was feared that they might cause demands for similar concessions to non-Magyar groups under Hungarian authority and undermine the 1867 constitution.
Franz Josef's Foreign Minister Beust, feared the power of Austria's new German neighbor, having witnessed its crushing defeat of France.
[3] The failure of the Fundamental Articles marked the end of old-order Czech Federal aspirations within the Empire, and served to bring Austria-Hungary as a whole under the further influence of a strong Germany.