Danish War (1864)

Definition

The Danish War, also known as the Second Schleswig War, was a conflict in which Prussia and Austria fought against Denmark to gain control of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein.

Analogy

Think of the Danish War like a game of tug-of-war. Denmark is holding onto one end of the rope (representing the duchies), while Prussia and Austria are on the other side pulling hard to take it away. In this case, Prussia and Austria won, gaining control over these territories.

Related terms

Schleswig-Holstein Question: This refers to a complex set of diplomatic and other issues arising in the 19th century from the relations of two duchies, Schleswig and Holstein, to the Danish crown and to Germany.

Prussian Military Reform: These were changes made by Prussia in its military structure that helped it become more efficient in wars such as this one.

Treaty of Vienna (1864): This treaty ended the Second Schleswig War between Denmark on one side and Prussia/Austria on another. It resulted in Denmark ceding both duchies to Prussia/Austria.