Prussia’s victory over Austria in 1866 allowed the Italians to take over __________ and the withdrawal of French troops during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 allowed the Italians to take over __________.

A. Naples; Florence
B. Venetia; Rome
C. Rome; Milan
D. Venice; Syracuse

D

To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the historical context of Prussia's victory over Austria in 1866 and the withdrawal of French troops during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

In 1866, Prussia's victory over Austria occurred during the Austro-Prussian War, also known as the Seven Weeks' War. This conflict was primarily fought over influence and control in the German Confederation. As a result of Prussia's victory, Austria was forced to cede the territory of Venetia to Italy. Therefore, Venetia is the territory that the Italians took over following Prussia's victory over Austria in 1866.

Moving forward to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, this conflict is significant because it led to the end of the Second French Empire and the establishment of the German Empire. The war concluded with the French defeat and the capture of Emperor Napoleon III. As a consequence of the French defeat, France had to withdraw its troops from Italy. This withdrawal allowed the Italians to take over the city of Rome in 1870, which was previously under French protection.

Based on this historical context, the correct answer to the question is:

B. Venetia; Rome