Holstein was originally an independent duchy, while the margraviate of Schleswig was annexed by Henry I, King of the Germans, in the tenth century. It was, however, ceded to the Danish King, Canute the Great, by Conrad II in 1032.
Holstein also came under Danish rule, and the two duchies remained annexed to the Danish Crown until the nineteenth century.
In 1848 the people of Schleswig-Holstein revolted, and in their war of independence were aided by the troops of the German Confederation. The Danes were defeated at Schleswig on April 23rd, but England and Russia were opposed to an extension of German influence, and forced on the belligerents the Treaty of Malmo.
In 1849 Schleswig-Holstein renewed the war resulting in an armistice, by which Schleswig was separated from Holstein.
In 1866, Schleswig-Holstein became part of Prussia and remained thus intact until 1920.
As the result of a plebiscite taken in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles in 1920, the northern zone of the existing German province was restored to Denmark, while the southern zone remained part of German territory. The new boundary line runs just north of Sylt, south of Tondern and north of Flemsburg.
That part of north Schleswig, some 1520 sq.m. which was assigned to Denmark was renamed the "outh Jutland Province".
Bredstedt and Friedrichstadt are in the southern part and consequently are now in Germany.
Last updated .
Copyright © Anthony Hickson
