SCHLESWIG AND HOLSTEIN

INITIAL PROBLEMS:

• 1863, King Ferderick VII of Denmark passed away leaving no heirs
• he was also the ruler of Schleswig and Holstein, Holstein being in the German confederation
• Schleswig had 50/50 Germans and Danish whereas Holstein had all Germans
• a signing in London of Great Powers in 1852 agreed that Christian of Glucksberg would succeed Frederick
• but others wanted the Prince of Augustenberg to rule instead
• when Christian became King of Denmark in 1863, Holstein refused to swear allegiance
• Augustenberg claimed both states but Christian violated the 1852 Treaty of London by incorporating Schleswig into Denmark without asking

BISMARK'S AIMS:

• Bismarck saw an opportunity to support Augustenberg and use his support to eventually annex Schleswig and Holstein
• the German people…