The Schleswig-Holstein Question was a complex issue in European diplomacy during the 19th century, centered around the political status of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, which were part of the Danish Monarchy but had significant German-speaking populations. Here is a detailed overview:
Schleswig and Holstein were historically separate entities:
The complexity stemmed from:
The Schleswig-Holstein Question was effectively resolved with the annexation of Schleswig-Holstein by Prussia after the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. This event contributed to the formation of the North German Confederation and later the German Empire in 1871.