The First War of German Unifcation - The German-Danish War
(also known as the Second Schleswig War)
Who?
When?
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The German-Danish War started on Februrary 1, 1864 and endet in October 30, 1864.
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Why?
After the first Schleswig War Denmark had to pledge to treat the dukedom of Schleswig and Holstein as independent units within the Danish state. According to the London Protocol of 1852, Schleswig should not be constitutionally tied closer to Denmark than Holstein, which constitutionally belonged to Germany.
Holstein largely refused to cooperate with the Danish crown. German national-minded circles demanded the separation of Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark. This made the Danish King Christian IX realize that the November Constitution was the last option to preserve the entire state from collapsing. This Constitution should - in direct contradiction to the London Protocol - apply to Denmark and Schleswig.
What?
The German Confederations' reaction was a punishing measure against Denmark in the form of a federal execution. Saxon and Hanoverian troops occupied Holstein (23. 12. 1863). The Danish troops retreated back to Schleswig.
After making sure no other countries would interfere in the conflict, the Prussian Prime Minister Bismarck convinced Austria and Prussia to also occupy Schleswig and force the Danish King Christian IX to cancel the November Constitution. The number of Prussian-Austrian troops and their superior weaponry defeated the Danish army in a short campaign. |
The storming of the fortress, Düppeler Schanzen near Sonderburg, was the battle that decided on the Austria-Prussian victory on 04/18/1864.
On 05/12/1864, a ceasefire was ordered.
On 05/12/1864, a ceasefire was ordered.
Consequences?
In the Vienna Peace Treaty (10/30/1864) Denmark lost the disputed dukedoms, which were placed under Austrian-Prussian administration. Disagreement in the administration of Schleswig-Holstein fueled the Prussian-Austrian conflict, which was about dominance in Germany.
In 1866 these tensions led to the outbreak of the German War.
In 1866 these tensions led to the outbreak of the German War.