As the title states, what was the specific significance of the Schleswig-Holstein question (Denmark and the German Confederation arguing over contested lands) as it directly relates to German unification in 1871 and the concept of German identity that existed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries?
asked Oct 12, 2011 at 5:33
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1what is the Schleswig-Holstein question?– Louis RhysCommented Oct 12, 2011 at 7:47
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@LouisRhys It was a debate in the 19th century between Denmark and Prussia over what to do with the contested lands bordering the two nations.– Sorcerer BlobCommented Oct 12, 2011 at 11:47
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5This looks like the exact phrasing you'd see on a school assignment...– T.E.D. ♦Commented Apr 4, 2012 at 15:13
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2 Answers
Schleswig-Holstein became the rallying point for a united Germany, first in a war of Prussia and Austria against Denmark for the two provinces, then in a war of Prussia versus Austria. When Prussia won both times, it established itself as the dominant power in north Germany, around which the north German states coalesced. (Pulling in south Germany came later, after the victorious Franco-Prussian war.)
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1Actually, the southern German states were already "in" after 1866, via a system of military alliances (de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schutz-_und_Trutzb%C3%BCndnisse_1866). Most north German states had already been on Prussia's side in the 1866 war.– JanCommented Feb 6, 2023 at 13:17
By supporting German states in their bid for independence from Denmark, Prussia was able to position itself as a champion of German nationalism, particularly in the question between a "small" Germany excluding Austria, and a "great" Germany including it.
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This answer is true but only half true, because in the first stage Austria and Prussia were allies against Denmark. Fortunately, the other answer gets it right. Commented Dec 26, 2012 at 12:27