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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.