The Year 1848
The year 1848, often called the "Year of Revolutions," saw a wave of political and social turmoil throughout Europe. Economic struggles, social unrest, and growing nationalist and liberal feelings fueled these uprisings. People were demanding more political freedom, social equality, and the right to rule themselves.
The Age of Nationalism
Following the Congress of Vienna, which sought to reinstate pre-Napoleonic borders and politics, various nationalist movements emerged with the goal of uniting states and territories into single nations. This period saw numerous revolutions and struggles for independence, alongside efforts to merge smaller states into larger entities. Countries such as Italy gained independence, while Germany unified its territories into the German Confederation and, later on, the German Empire.
The Age of Nationalism
The Age of Nationalism began with the Revolution Year of 1848, also known as the Springtime of Nations. The revolutions originated in France and later spread to the German States, the Austrian Empire, Italy, and Hungary. These movements were characterized by large-scale demonstrations, the formation of temporary governments, and calls for increased political freedoms.The First Schleswig War
1848 1852
The First Schleswig War was a conflict between Denmark and the German Confederation, mainly involving the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, with backing from various German states. The war stemmed from disputes over national identity and sovereignty of the duchies.
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1848
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The Revolution Year of 1848
Political event -
1848
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Proclamation of the Provisional Government
Political eventMarch 24, 1848
1848 saw multiple revolutions across Europe, including in the German states. People strongly called for national unity and constitutional changes. On March 24, 1848, German nationalists in the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein announced a provisional government in Kiel, aiming to become part of the German Confederation. -
1848
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The Battle of Bov
Military: BattleApril 9, 1848
On April 9, 1848, Danish troops led by General Hedemann defeated the Schleswig-Holstein rebels near Flensburg. This victory set the stage for Denmark's early upper hand in the conflict. It marked the first significant clash of the First Schleswig War. -
1848
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The Battle of Schleswig
Military: BattleApril 23, 1848
On April 23, 1848, Danish forces successfully defended the town of Schleswig from a joint Prussian and Schleswig-Holstein attack. Despite the German Confederation's support for Schleswig-Holstein, with Prussia leading, the battle ultimately strengthened Denmark's hold on the region. -
1848
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The Armistice of Malmö
Military: BattleAugust 6, 1848
On August 26, 1848, Britain and other European powers agreed on a temporary ceasefire, pausing the hostilities. However, tensions stayed high, and fighting picked up again a few months later. -
1849
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The Battle of Fredericia
Military: BattleJuly 6, 1849
After the break of the Armistice of Malmö, Danish forces led by General Bülow scored a key victory on July 6, 1849. They lifted the Siege of Fredericia and forced the Schleswig-Holstein troops to retreat. -
1850
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The Battle of Isted
Military: BattleJuly 25, 1850
On July 25, 1850, General Krogh led the Danish forces to victory over the Schleswig-Holstein army in the war's biggest and most brutal battle near Isted. -
1852
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The London Protocol
Political eventMay 8, 1852
The major European nations, such as Britain, France, Russia, and Austria, stepped in to diplomatically resolve the First Schleswig War. The London Protocol, signed on May 8, 1852, confirmed that Denmark had sovereignty over Schleswig and Holstein. However, these duchies kept their autonomy under the Danish monarchy.
The Wars of German Unification
1864 1871
The Wars of German Unification were a series of three conflicts from 1864 to 1871 that led to the unification of the German status under the leadership of Prussia and the consequent formation of the German Empire. These conflicts include (1) The Second Schleswig War (1864), (2) The Austro-Prussian War (1866) and (3) The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
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1864
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The Invasion of Schleswig
Military: BattleJanuary 16, 1864
The Duchy of Holstein was a part of the German Confederation, while Schleswig was not. Denmark and Germany were fighting for control over these two duchies. Although the London Protocol of 1852 had tried to resolve the status of the duchies in relation to Denmark, there were continuous tensions between Denmark and Germany. In 1863, Denmark tried to integrate Schleswig more closely, violating the agreements in the London Protocol. Prussia and Austria, both seeking influence in the German Confederation and beyond, responded to this action by giving an ultimatum. Denmark rejected the ultimatum, leading to the invasion of Schleswig by Prussian and Austrian forces in early 1864. -
1864
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The Battle of Dybbol
Military: BattleApril 18, 1864
On April 18, 1864, the city of Dybbol, located in the Duchy of Schleswig, was attacked. The duchy had been attacked by Prussian and Austrian forces in January of that year, and Dybbol, with its location overlooking the Flensburg Fjord and its fortifications, was an important strategic position. Despite the valiant resistance put up by the Danish soldiers, they were outnumbered by the Prussians and Austrians and forced to retreat. -
1864
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The Battle of Als
Military: BattleJune 29, 1864
After the fall of the Dybbol fortifications, the Prussians attacked the important defensive position of Als in the southeastern part of Jutland on June 29, 1864. The Danes were once again outnumbered, and the Prussians quickly gained control of the island. After the battle, the Danes retreated further into Jutland, and were not able to resist effectively and sought a peace settlement. Also other European powers, such as Great Britain and Russia, were concerned about the balance of power and sought to mediate an end to the war. -
1864
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The Treaty of Vienna
Military: WarOctober 30, 1864
The Treaty of Vienna was signed on October 30th, 1864 by Denmark, Prussia, and Austria, which put an end to the Schleswig War. Denmark had to give up control of the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg to the Prussian and Austrian alliance. -
1866
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The Declaration of War from Prussia against Austria
Military: WarJune 14, 1866
After Prussia and Austria emerged victorious in the Second Schleswig War, Schleswig and Holstein were ceded by Denmark and came under joint administration by Prussia and Austria. However, disagreements about the administration soon arose, leading to tensions. This conflict eventually led to a fight for dominance over the German states. Additionally, Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck diplomatically isolated Austria by securing alliances with Italy and neutralizing potential threats from France and Russia. These tensions and the desire for dominance ultimately led to the formal declaration of war by Prussia against Austria on June 14, 1866. -
1866
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The Battle of Langensalza
Military: BattleJune 27, 1866
The Kingdom of Hanover was an independent state that existed until 1837 under the British monarch. However, the union ended when Queen Victoria ascended the British throne, as Hanoverian law required a male successor. After Queen Victoria, Ernest August became the king of Hanover. During the Austro-Prussian War, the Kingdom of Hanover sided with Austria. They were isolated in northern Germany and confronted the Prussian forces on June 27, 1866. Initially, the Hanoverian army achieved a tactical victory against the Prussians, but they were later surrounded and forced to surrender, leading to the annexation of Hanover by Prussia. -
1866
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The Battle of Königgratz
Military: BattleJuly 3, 1866
On July 3, 1866, Prussian forces led by King Wilhelm I defeated the Austrian army near Königgrätz, showcasing the Prussian army's military efficiency and modern tactics. This battle was the most decisive battle during the Austro-Prussian War and forced Austria to surrender. -
1866
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The Treaty of Prague
Political eventAugust 23, 1866
On August 23, 1866, the Treaty of Prague was signed by Prussia and Austria, bringing an end to the Austro-Prussian War. The agreement resulted in Austria being excluded from German affairs, the dissolution of the German Confederation, the formation of the North German Confederation under Prussian leadership, and the acknowledgement of Prussian annexations of several northern and central German states. As a result of the treaty, the Kingdom of Hanover, which had sided with Austria during the war, became a province of Prussia.
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Àyrngáer is a visual story- and worldbuilding project by Zev Chafer, aka Vincent Jongman. The characters and their writings are fictional, but can discuss real life- and autobiographical topics. All artworks and texts are handmade (unless stated otherwise) and created by Vincent Jongman, published with the pseudonym Zev Chafer. You are not allowed to use, copy, sell or distribute this content without the consent of the author/creator.
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