So, we started looking for references that might explain the pictures, and one page we came across was a wiki about the 1860s. WOW, this is worth clicking! Scroll down and check all the incredible changes in that decade.
The revolutions of 1848 in Bohemia and other European countries resulted in new laws so the serfs/peasants were no longer beholden to a landowner/master. This was part of the European move to outlaw slavery altogether...and that translated to the United States as well.
The trans-atlantic slave trade dwindled and caused economic problems, but at the same time, newly freed people (our great-greats among em) got on ships and moved here. They took trains on new tracks that crossed the country. They claimed land that Lincoln made available, and some newbies fought in the Civil War here out of gratitude. Ok, you get the drift here. It was an amazing time in the 1860s, all over the world.
Looking at "Prussia" and the legend under the pic :
"His Majesty of Prussia--grim and old--
Sadowa's King--by needle guns made bold;
With Bismarck of the royal conscience, keeper,
In dreams political none wiser--deeper".
What does that mean?? Sadowa, a decisive battle; needle guns were used;
maybe like the one being held above? Was the man in red above "His Majesty of Prussia", or is that Bismarck keeping Prussia's conscience?
It's Friday night and I'm tired, so you'll have to pursue this yourself, I dare ya!