Schleswig-Holstein: Toward a History of German-Danish Confrontation

The author of this article examines the history of the German-Danish confrontation over the possession of the disputed territories of Schleswig and Holstein. Starting from the events of the Early Middle Ages, the author analyzes the issue of territorial supremacy of states over these lands and comes to the conclusion that Copenhagen repeatedly had the opportunity to incorporate these territories into the Danish monarchy, but each time the Danish political elites were unable to take such a chance. Copenhagen's inflexible, straightforward and non-alternative policy towards Schleswig and Holstein led to the growth of discontent among the local population and the strengthening of pro-German sentiments, which eventually led in the 19th century to the secession of these regions from Denmark and their incorporation into Germany.