Maps - Germany Part 2

Denmark, the Duchies (Schleswig, Holstien, Lauenberg) and the Schleswig-Holstein Question.

The Second Schleswig War: A Brief Synopsis. On February 1, 1864, Austrian and Prussian forces crossed the Eider River from Holstein into Schleswig, initiating the Second Schleswig War. Their intent was to outflank the Danevirke defensive line across the Schlei; the Prussians under Prince Friedrich Karl try to cross at Missunde (2.2.64) before moving downriver. The Austrians under Gablenz seize the high ground in front of the Danevirke at Ober-Selk/Königshügel (2.3.64). The Danish Army under de Meza decides to retreat, and escapes despite Austrian pursuit and a rear-guard action at Oeversee/Sankelmark (2.6.64).

The Allies split up; the Prussians follow the main Danish Army to the fortified position at Dybbøl, while a combined Austrian/Prussian force pursues the remainder towards the border of Schleswig and Denmark. The crossing into Jutland (2.18.64), against express orders, causes a brief diplomatic meltdown, before the Allies are cleared to invade Jutland. After a skirmish at Vejle (3.8.64), they isolate the Danish forces in Fredericia and continue to occupy the Danish mainland.

Meanwhile, the Prussians besiege Dybbøl, finally storming it on April 18, 1864, the largest and most important action of the war. An armistice and peace negotiations follow. Meanwhile, the Danes have imposed a blockade on the German coastline; Austrian and Prussian attempts to test this blockade result in minor naval engagements at Jasmund (3.17.64) and Heligoland (5.19.64).

When the peace negotiations fail and the armistice expires on June 28, the Allies resume their advances. They occupy the remainder of Jutland, with a small battle at Lundby (7.3.64). The main show is the Prussian General Moltke's successful amphibious invasion of Als (6.29.64). This causes the Danes to realize that the sea can no longer protect them and Copenhagen itself might be in danger. On July 20, they ask for and receive a second, final armistice.

The Second Schleswig War officially ends with the peace deal at Vienna on October 30, 1864. Denmark cedes Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg to the joint custody of Austria and Prussia. Friction between the two unlikely allies over Schleswig-Holstein will eventually cause the Second War of German Unification, the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 that will decide the fate of Germany.