This is the introduction of background material which will be used to write a series of short articles on the history of the Danish Army during the 1800s. Being located in the USA, it is often difficult to find good resources of material covering the military history of foreign countries. At this time I would like to express sincere gratitude to Soren Fisker of Denmark, who took the time to locate and send me many of the items which I used to construct these articles. He provided postcards, museum pamphlets and booklets on the various wars.

Additional thanks to Gert Laursen who supports a website devoted to material on the Danish wars in the mid-1800s. The information is concise and well supported with maps and artwork. His site can be found at http://www.milhist.dk/

During the 1800s, Denmark was involved in three significant wars. The first being as an ally of the French during the Napoleonic Wars. Danish involvement in the Napoleonic Wars began when four British ships intercepted and attacked a Danish convoy on 25 July 1800. Most of the actual fighting would be against their traditional enemies the Swedes. Fighting continued until a Peace Treaty was signed in 1814 which resulted in the Danes exchanging Norway for Swedish Pomerania and then having to turn Pomerania over to the Prussians.

The second was the THREE YEAR WAR, also known as the Schelwig-Holstein War/Revolt, against Prussia and Schelwig-Holstein insurgents which lasted from 1848-50. It began as part of the rise in national identity associated with the era. Whether the revolt was a Conservative response, part of a German minority revolt or Prussian inspired, the net result was an escalated war between Denmark and Prussia. The Prussian intervention was stalemated by Danish victories on the ground combined with Russian and British political pressures. The Danish sting left a bitter taste in the Prussian mouth , who would look for any chance in the future to recover their lost prestige.

The final war was the Danish-German War of 1864 which was fought against Prussia, Austria and the German ConfederationThe 1864 War provided the Germans with that oppurtunity. Wary of the Danish foe, The Prussians obtained support from the German Confederation and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The overwelming German numbers ensured a Prussian victory on land. However a surprising Danish naval victory over a combined Austro-Prussian squadron prevented them from being able to capitalize on the success.

I will use chronologies, uniform information, organizational data and facts on specific battles to trace the military history of Denmark. Articles on the Danish-German War of 1864 will appear in this issue. The other wars will be covered in later issues.

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