Ended the Second War of Schleswig by transferring three Danish duchies to Austro-Prussian control, reshaping the political map of northern Europe.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 30 October 1864
- Signatories
- Austrian Empire, Kingdom of Prussia, Kingdom of Denmark
- Territories ceded by Denmark
- Duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg
- Exception to cession
- Island of Ærø remained Danish
- Subsequent convention
- Gastein Convention, 14 August 1865
- War triggered by disputes
- Austro-Prussian War of 1866
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Second War of Schleswig erupted in 1864 when Prussia and Austria contested Danish control over the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg. Denmark's attempt to integrate Schleswig more closely into the Danish state conflicted with German national interests and the rights of the German Confederation, prompting a joint Austro-Prussian military campaign that quickly defeated Danish forces.
On 30 October 1864, representatives of the Austrian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Kingdom of Denmark signed the Treaty of Vienna, formally ending the Second War of Schleswig. Denmark surrendered the Duchy of Schleswig (excluding the island of Ærø), the Duchy of Holstein, and the Duchy of Lauenburg, which were placed under joint Austro-Prussian administration as a condominium.
The Gastein Convention of August 1865 divided administrative responsibility, giving Prussia control of Schleswig and Austria control of Holstein, while Austria sold its rights over Lauenburg to Prussia. Ongoing disputes over the administration of the duchies escalated into the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, after which Prussia annexed both Schleswig and Holstein outright.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Side B
1 belligerent