Back to the video list: German History

 

The German-Danish War of 1864 was the first of the three Wars of German Unification during the second half of the 19th century. It was followed by the German War and the Franco-Prussian War. 

 

Video

 

 

Overview

  • Date: 01 Feb – 30 Oct 1864
  • Location: Schleswig-Holstein & Jutland (Denmark)
  • Start: Prussian & Austrian troops cross the river Eider into Schleswig
  • End: Treaty of Vienna (Schleswig-Holstein under Prussian & Austrian control)

 

Parties & Persons Involved

  • Denmark
  • Austria
  • Prussia
  • Christian IX (1818 – 1906), King of Denmark
  • Otto von Bismarck (1815 – 1898) Prussian minister-president
  • Helmuth von Moltke (1811 – 1881), Prussian General

 

Background

  • Legal Situation:
    • Schleswig, Holstein & Lauenburg are independent states in personal union with Denmark (London Protocol 1852)
    • Holstein & Lauenburg are members of the German Confederation
  • Danish Situation:
    • Pro-German & anti-Danish movements in Holstein (weaker in Schleswig)
    • Closer integration of Schleswig into Denmark
  • German Situation:
    • Hegemonial ambitions of Prussia & Austria (German Dualism)
    • Growing nationalism in the German population

 

History

  • 18 Nov 1863: Christian IX signs the November Constitution (Integration of Schleswig into Denmark)
  • 07 Dec 1863: The German Confederation declares the Federal Execution (Bundesexekution) & German forces march into Holstein & Lauenburg
  • 16 Jan 1864: Prussia & Austria give Denmark an ultimatum to repeal the November Constitution & withdraw her troops from Schleswig within 48 hrs
  • 01 Feb 1864: Prussian & Austrian troops cross the river Eider into Schleswig & fight several smaller battles
  • 18 Apr 1864: Prussia defeats Denmark at the Battle of Dybbøl; then occupation of Jutland
  • 30 Oct 1864: Treaty of Vienna – Denmark looses Schleswig-Holstein

 

Consequences & Impact

  • Territorial Changes:
    • Prussia gains Lauenburg
    • Schleswig under Prussian administration
    • Holstein under Austrian administration
  • Northern border of the German Empire to come (1871) is set
  • The German Dualism between the hegemonial powers Prussia & Austria continues until the German War (1866)
  • Motivation to a lesser German solution grows (“Germany without foreign powers”)