[3] In 1861 he joined the Pioneer Corps, was promoted to captain in 1866 and was transferred to the War Ministry in 1867 as a consultant.

During the Franco-Prussian War, he was on the staff of the Württemberg Field Division and took part in the battles of Wörth, Sedan and Villiers and the Siege of Paris.

On 18 April 1896, Schott von Schottenstein was promoted to General of the Infantry by King William II.

[7] Only a few months in office as Prime Minister,[8][9] Schott von Schottenstein had to resign from his ministerial posts because he had compromised himself as a witness in a pandering trial.

[a][10] After his resignation, he retired to Schloss Schottenstein, his ancestors' castle in Itzgrund near Coburg in Franconia that he bought and restored in 1888.