The Battle of Lissa was a pivotal naval engagement in the context of the Austro-Prussian War, occurring in the Adriatic Sea. The conflict initiated when the Kingdom of Italy, allied with Prussia, sought to gain maritime dominance against Austria. The combined Italian fleet aimed to confront the Austrians and assert control over the strategically important Adriatic Sea. Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff led the Austrian forces, commanding a fleet that included ironclads such as the SMS Erzherzog Ferdinand Max and the SMS Don Juan of Austria.

On the day of the battle, Tegetthoff executed a bold maneuver; he took advantage of the favorable winds and the positioning of the Italian vessels to launch a surprise attack. His strategy involved closing the distance quickly, making effective use of the Austrian ironclad technology, which was perceived as superior at that time. The engagement turned into a fierce confrontation, with ships exchanging cannon fire, resulting in substantial losses for both sides. However, the advanced tactics and bravery demonstrated by Tegetthoff and his fleet led to a definitive Austrian victory, forcing the Italian navy to retreat.

This battle had lasting repercussions for naval warfare, marking a transition towards more modern engagements characterized by ironclad technology. The victory reinforced Austria's naval strength and contributed to its political leverage in post-war negotiations and territorial claims in the Adriatic region. It also instigated a nationalistic sentiment in Austria and solidified Tegetthoff’s reputation as a formidable naval commander.