Normally I try to limit comments to verifiable facts and numbers, since articles in this magazine are directed more as a wargaming tool than for general reading. However, I have been asked by several sources to include background data and even opinions on these lesser known wars.

The Danish-German War of 1864 can be regarded as one of the first modern limited wars. It could not have been avoided. The Prussian Army was waiting for a chance to get revenge for their poor showing in the 1848 Three Year War against these same Danes. However, they could not launch a massive invasion without considering political issues. The rolling terrain of Jutland would not have presented much of an obstacle to a determined Prussian push. But the Prussians could make such a move without worrying about the responses of the British, French and Russian governments. These same countries had restricted Prussian strategic plans in the earlier Three Years War. Also the Prussians had to consider the attitudes of their Austrian allies who were not eager to bear the force expansion required to lead or support a move into Jutland.

The Danish control of the seas also contributed to forcing the Prussians to develop strategic plans for a limited war. Danish naval forces blockaded Prussian ports, harassed enemy columns on coastal roads, supported Danish army operations near the coast and provided for excellent transportation lines with which troops could be tranferred quickly throughout the theater.

Unfortunately the Danish strategic position was not without problems. The Danish War Department often complicated planning by field commanders. The Danes had proved to be a worthy foe while on the defensive but the rear echelon thinkers often insisted on attempting offensive actions or continuing to defend a position which cpould no longer be held. Two such glaring examples included

(1) When Gen Meza made the correct decision to evacuate the Dannevirke defense line when he did not have the manpower to hold it and then he was releived.

(2) The insistance on an offensive action to recapture Ragebol woods which resulted in depleting their force to a point that they could no longer hold the Dybbol outposts.

A final problem within the Danish Army was the lack of sufficient NCOs and officers. The shortage which reduced a unit's ability to make proper responses resulted in a hugh number of Danish prisoners.

The Austrian Army Press stressed their victories at Kongshoj and Vejle despite the losses and even regarded Sanelmark as a win. As a result they gained more "Glory" during the war than their Prussian allies. This false sense of strength would lead to an overconfident General Staff during their conflict with the Prussians in 1866. The Prussians learned valuable lessons in logistics and gained the valuable port of Kiel. The Danes lost territory which ironically solved the Schelwig-Holstein problem and provided the Danes with decades of peace. Becasue if the Danes had been able to hold onto the Duchies with a "Big Power" imposed peace, the Prussians would have been back again (after the 1866 War) and again (after the 1871 War) until they acheived their goal of obtaining, "liberating", those territories.

Do I believe that the Danes could have won the war? No, but better strategic planning and training could have made the price higher for the German invaders and unfortunately more devastating for the local populace. For the military theorist, it is a good example that even troops defending their homeland still need proper supervision in order to provide the best motivated force. It is an often overlooked war in which brave men fought on both sides. Their memory needs to be honored by studying and wargaming the era more.

More 19th Century Danish Wars

Introduction
Chronology of the Danish-German War of 1864
Uniforms of the Danish-German War of 1864: Danish
Uniforms of the Danish-German War of 1864: Austrian
Uniforms of the Danish-German War of 1864: Prussian
Order of Battle: Danish-German War of 1864
Wargaming the Danish-German War of 1864
Background Comments on Danish-German War of 1864