Editing Schleswig-Holstein (section)

===Schleswig-Holstein Question===
{{main|Schleswig–Holstein question}}
In the 19th century, fueled by  [[nationalism]] both Danes and Germans claimed Schleswig-Holstein. The Germans wanted both Schleswig and Holstein to separate from Denmark and join the [[German Confederation]], invoking the [[Treaty of Ribe]] stating that the two duchies should stay "Forever Undivided". The Danes on the other hand, furthered the Eider Policy ([[:da:Ejderpolitikken]]), stating that the natural Danish border was the [[Eider (river)]] as first recognised in the [[Treaty of Heiligen]]. Therefore, the Danes sought to reintegrate Schleswig into the [[Danish Realm|Kingdom of Denmark]], reversing the separation created by King Abel, while also granting Holstein independence to join the German Confederation as a sovereign entity. The resulting long-term political and territorial dispute was known as the [[Schleswig–Holstein question|Schleswig-Holstein Question]]. Holstein was entirely German-speaking, while Schleswig was predominantly Danish-speaking until the late 1700 and early 1800s. During this period, a linguistic shift began in southern Schleswig, transitioning from Danish to German. This meant that Schleswig was linguistically divided with a Danish-speaking north and a German-speaking south.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

In 1848, King [[Frederick VII of Denmark]] declared that he would grant Denmark a liberal constitution and the immediate goal of the Danish national movement was to ensure that this constitution would give rights to all Danes, i.e. not only to those in the Kingdom of Denmark, but also to Danes (and Germans) living in Schleswig. Furthermore, they demanded protection for the Danish language in Schleswig (the dominant language in almost a quarter of Schleswig had changed from Danish to German since the beginning of the 19th century).{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} A liberal constitution for Holstein was not seriously considered in [[Copenhagen]], since it was well known that the political élite of Holstein were more conservative than Copenhagen's. Representatives of German-minded Schleswig-Holsteiners demanded that Schleswig and Holstein be unified and allowed its own constitution and that Schleswig join Holstein as a member of the [[German Confederation]].{{cn|date=September 2024}} These demands were rejected by the Danish government in 1848, and the Germans of Holstein and Southern Schleswig rebelled. 

====First Schleswig War====
This began the [[First Schleswig War]] (1848–51). Against unbelievable odds, Denmark emerged victorious, managing to politically outmaneuver the German alliance by garnering support from the [[British Empire]], the [[Russian Empire]] and the [[Second French Empire]] while defeating the Germans at the [[Battle of Bov|Battles of Bov]], the [[Battle of Dybbøl (1848)|Dybbøl]], the [[Battle of Fredericia|Fredericia]] and [[Battle of Isted|Isted]]. However, under pressure from the [[Great Power]]s, led by [[Alexander III of Russia|Tsar Alexander III]], who had forced [[Kingdom of Prussia|Prussia]] and [[Austrian Empire|Austria]] out of Denmark,{{cn|date=September 2024}} the Danes were not permitted to reintegrate Schleswig into Denmark. Alexander thereby sought to preserve the existing European order,in accordance with the principles established by the [[Concert of Europe]]. This led to the signing of the [[London Protocol (1852)|1852 London Protocol]], which failed to provide a solution to the issue and merely upheld the status quo.{{cn|date=September 2024}} 

====Second Schleswig War====
In 1863, conflict broke out again when Frederick VII died without legitimate issue. According to the [[order of succession]] of Denmark and Schleswig, the crowns of both Denmark and Schleswig would pass to Duke Christian of [[House of Glücksburg|Glücksburg]], who became [[Christian IX of Denmark|Christian IX]]. The transmission of the duchy of Holstein to the head of the (German-oriented) branch of the Danish royal family, the [[House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg|House of Augustenborg]], was more controversial. The separation of the two duchies was challenged by the Augustenborg heir, who claimed, as in 1848, to be rightful heir of both Schleswig and Holstein. A common constitution for Denmark and Schleswig was promulgated in November 1863, which was a breach of the 1852 London Protocol. This left Denmark politically isolated and led to the [[Second Schleswig War]], with Prussia and Austria invading once again. This was the [[Second War of Schleswig]]. Denmark achieved some initial victories at the [[Battle of Mysunde (1864)|Battles of Mysunde]], and [[Battle of Sankelmark|Sankelmark]], but these successes were short-lived. The Austrians defeated the Danes at the [[Battle for Königshügel|Königshügel]] and [[Battle of Vejle|Vejle]]. However, it was the Prussians who decided the war by decisively winning the pivotal [[Battle of Dybbøl|Battles of Dybbøl]] and [[Battle of Als|Als]].{{cn|date=September 2024}} 

British attempts to mediate in the [[London Conference of 1864]] failed. With the peace [[Treaty of Vienna (1864)]], Denmark was forced to cede Schleswig, Holstein and [[Saxe-Lauenburg|Lauenburg]] to Prussia and Austria. Prussia wished to annex the conquered territories but Austria insisted they be held as [[condominium]]s. This disagreement led to the 1865 [[Gastein Convention]], which, despite their {{lang|la|[[casus belli]]}} being the defence of the German-speaking Schleswig-Holsteiners' wish to remain unified, granted Schleswig and Lauenburg to Prussia and Holstein to Austria. However, this situation did not last long.