Danish Unitary State | |
---|---|
1814–1864 | |
Status | personal union between Schleswig, Holstein, Lauenburg and Denmark |
Common languages | Danish, German, Frisian |
Religion | Lutheranism |
King of Denmark, Duke of Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg | |
• 1808–1839 | Frederik VI |
• 1839–1848 | Christian VIII |
• 1848–1863 | Frederik VII |
• 1863-1906 | Christian IX |
Prime ministers (1848–1855) Council Presidents (1855–1864) | |
• 1848–1852 | Adam Wilhelm Moltke |
• 1852–1853 | Christian Albrecht Bluhme |
• 1853–1854 | Anders Sandøe Ørsted |
• 1854–1856 | Peter Georg Bang |
• 1856–1857 | Carl Christoffer Georg Andræ |
• 1857–1859 | Carl Christian Hall |
• 1859–1860 | Carl Edvard Rotwitt |
• 1863–1864 | Ditlev Gothard Monrad |
Historical era | Late Modern Period |
• Established | 1814 |
14 January 1814 | |
1848–1851 | |
• Disestablished | 1864 |
The Danish Unitary State (Danish: Helstaten, German: Gesammtstaat[1]) was a Danish political designation for the monarchical state formation of Denmark, Schleswig, Holstein and Saxe-Lauenburg, between the two treaties of Vienna in 1815 and 1864. The useage of the term became relevant after the First Schleswig War, when a need for a constitutional framework for the monarchy was present, which ought to follow the premises of the London Protocol, that prohibited a closer connection between two of the monarchy's possesions. The political designation was ultimately eleminated after The Second Schleswig War and was replaced by the national state in 1866.
Definitions and meaning
The Danish term Helstaten reffers to two historical state formations of Denmark.[2] One being the twin realms of Denmark–Norway, and the other (and most reffered to) is the personal and for a short time real union between Denmark and the North German duchies of Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg (From 1815)[2]
Definition
There are various of different definitions of the word Helstat. Helstat is a compound word, combined from Hel (English: Whole) and stat (English: State), compound to 'Whole-state'. Acording to Salmonsens, a Helstat is:[2]
A state connection under a common monarchy has existed between parts of the state that could neither be described as a Federal State nor as mere provnces, so that the unit could neither be said to constitute a mere real union, a confederation in the narrower sense nor an equivalent. Unity state
— Salmonsens Konversationsleksikon
It is also noted that the term is mainly used in connection with Denmark and the Duchies and the Austrian Realm's Constituion[2] Another definition by the Danish Lexicon of Ordbog over det danske sprog States as following:[2][3]
State, consisting of several parts of the state connected under a common constitution for the common affairs (cf. unitary, federal state); spec. about the state connection that was sought to be maintained between 1850 and 1864 between the Danish Kingdom, Southern Jutland and the German Duchies
— Ordbog over det danske sprog'
Similar definitions are giving by Illustreret dansk konversationslektion and Norsk Riksmålsordbok[4][2]
Despite small disagreements the definitions agree on certain points[2]
- A Helstat is a state formation consisting of more than one political entity
- They share some political aspects (fx foreign affairs)
- Yet the political entities have an extentsive autonomy
It should also be noted that the Salmonsens Konversationsleksikon, Illustreret dansk konversationslektion and Ordbog over det dansk sprog, specifically mentions the state formation of Denmark and the Duchies, as such example of a Helstat[2]
Historic usage in refference to Denmark and Norway
The first mention of the word Helstat in a historic context, is from 1885, on the book Danmark-Norges indre Historie 1660- 1720, by Edward Holm[5][2] reffering to the union between the two nations of Denmark and Norway, quite directly meaning a whole state[2][5] Other Danish works mentioning the word in refference to Denmark-Norway includes Danmark-Norge i det 18. Aarhundrede, by Albert Olsen[6][2], Dansk-Norsk Veksel virkning i det 18. Aarhundred, by Hans Jensen[7][2] and Mellem brødre, by Vilhelm la Cour[8][2]
Olsen, like Holm, describes the Helstat as a opposition to the expression of special interests[6] yet Olsen does not argue why he chose to call Denmark-Norway a Helstat, moreover Olsen sees the Helstat as a complete opposite of the Nationalstaten and thereby also equalizes a Multinational state and a Helstat[2]
"It was, however, in the aim of the new government of the two kingdoms to create a distinctly centralized Helstat, and within such a framework local considerations had to naturally always give way to what, according to the opinion of the time, would serve the assembled Monarch"
Vilhelm la Cour: Mellem brødre. Dansk-norske Problemer i det 18. Aarhundredes Helstat,1943, s. 9-10
Jensen's book on Denmark-Norway seems to be the only one reffering to the Helstat, as that of Denmark and the Duchies[2] He defines the goal of the Helstat as being to achieve the biggest possible commonwealth and enitity[2][7] He thereby also devalueates the Helstat with Denmark and the Duchies as characterizing it as uncomplete[2] and instead highlights the union with Norway as the complete version of a Helstat.[2][7] Although Jensen has no Source for the definition he uses.[2]
La Cour, defines the Helstat as an act of Absolute monarchy and unity in contrast to the other definitions[2] Such definition is shared by Ole Feldbæk, who in his book Danmark-Norge 1380-1814, describes the Helstat in a contrast to Norwegain indepedence and autonomy[9]
Historic usage in refference to Denmark and the duchies
There are also problems with the argumentation of the historians describing and defining the unitary
state between Denmark and the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg (also refered to as "the Duchies"; Danish: Hertugdømmerne)[10][11]
Acording to Claus Bjørn the term Helstaten only became politically relevant after the Three Years War[12] and links the term with the period between 1848 and 1863[2][13] He also notes that the traditional usage of the word for historians can be traced back to 1773 and the Treaty of Tsarskoye Selo[2][13]
The reason being that Christian VII of Denmark got full control of Ducal holstein after Tsarskoye Selo[2]
During the aftermath of the First Schleswig War the usage of the word became politically relevant in terms of creating an united constitution for both Denmark and the Duchies[12] The term is mentioned in a Danish state council protocol from a refferate on the 21 December 1850,[14] from a dairy of Christian Dahl from 1848-1849[15] and especially from letters from Danish politics, such as Ditlev Gothard Monrad and Andreas Frederik Krieger in the 1830s and 1840s[16]
Theres no excact date accepted for the first usage of the political word of Helstaten, although just as Bjørn argues, Christian Molbech states that the term originated in 1848[17] Nevertheless the usage of the term saw an increase, especially politically, during the negotiations of a constitution to the Danish realm[2]
Political ideology
The idea of preserving the Helstat is called Helstatspatriotisme (English: The Unitary State Patriotisme), its ideology is focused on valueing and preserving the Danish led Oldenburg Monarchy and to stop the spread of Nationalism in the possesions of the dynasty[18] Nationalism had been rising since the French revolution and was a founding part of social changes in the Danish realm during the 19th century[18] The old state formation, made by royal houses and feudalism, was challenged by nationalism and liberalism and the Helstatspatriotisme were in position to preserve the old state formation of the Oldenburg monarch[18] The Oldenburg state is said to be Dano-German from the beginning.[18] Especially during the 17th and 18th centuries when German language and culture began to influence Danish nobility, whom the majoirty had German as first language[18]
Before the waiver of Norway, 25% of Denmark, spoke German, that number rose 40% during the aftermath of the Treaty of Kiel. In the capital of Copenhagen 20% spoke German, and in other cities like Odense, Fredericia and Elsinore, there were a noteable German-speaking population[19][18][20] And the seperation of Danish and German in Denmark and Schleswig should therefore not be seen as necessary for the creation of a national state[18]
This rise of the German culture in Denmark led to several unrests and clashes between the Danes and Germans, like the Royal Guards Mutiny in 1771 as response to the alledged Germanisation of Denmark by Struensee[21], and the German Fued (Danish: Tyskerfejden) which sought to disestablish German occupation of important political and cultural jobs[20]
Ideology in early use
After the reforms by Struensee, the power of government was succeded by Ove Høegh-Guldberg, who reformed the State into a more Danish-centered state rather than German-centered. Laws like the Danish Citizenship Act of 1776 under which access to public positions in the kingdom of Denmark became the prerogative of native-born subjects and those who were considered their equals[22] Danish also became the official language of The Danish military and the Politicians and administrators should also use Danish instead of German.[18] It is clear that the takeover and reforms by Høegh-Guldberg was done in a matter, where he legitimized his rule by representing the Danish people[18] and may also appear to be an early form of Danish nationalism and Helstatspatriotisme.[18][19] During his rule and behond Helstatspatriotismen was prioritised by symbolicly uniting Denmark, Norway and Holstein as three equal parts under the Oldenburg Dynasty[a] in art and literature[18] By that the Danish government wished to establish loyalty to the monarch throughout the whole realm[18]
Danification attempts in Holstein (1806-1813)
After the dissolution of Holy Roman Empire, crown prince Frederick annexed in acordance with the French, Holstein into the Danish state[23][24] The act was official policy since the Treaty of Tsarskoye Selo and can be seen as an act for Helstatspatriotismen.[23][25] The period between 1806 and 1813 saw increasing Danification of the area.[24] The Danish language was sought to be implemented in offices and churches,[23][24] yet even if the intention was to quell Holsteinian regionalism, it did the excapt opposite and the annexation attempt was denounced in 1813.[23][18][24] Modern historian, Steen Bo Frandsen, argues that if the annexation attempt was not implemented, then there would still be holsteinians who wished futher integration into the Danish state long after 1814.[24] It is also argued that before nationalist sentiment began to rise, the major view in Holstein was that the connection to the Oldenburg monarch was a good thing.[24]
Napoleonic Wars
During the Napoleonic Wars Denmark came though a series of national disasters. Firstly Denmark-Norway lost its fleet during the English Wars, which greatly damaged Dano-Norwegain trade commerce and connection between the altantic territories[b], Norway and Denmark[26] Secondly Denmark faced the Danish state bankruptcy of 1813 which saw the total collapse of the financial industry and trade industry. Lastly Denmark was forced on Napoleon's side and signed for peace at kiel in 1814.[27] This saw the loss of Norway, and a dream of a trio with Denmark, Norway and Holstein demolished. Frederick VI who was a natural supporter of the Helstatspatriotisme, had earlier declined an offer from tzar Alexander I of Russia, which inturn for handing over Norway, Denmark would get the Hanseatic cities, the North German East Coast, and even Holland[28][29] Which shows Frederick's
realisation of the importance of Norway, for the Helstat
Likewhise under the Napoleonic wars, the lands north of the Elbe didnt show any unwillingness or dissatisfaction with the French presence in Germany.[18] This view was not shared with the rest of the German states.[18]
There were a short german national excitement during the German campaign of 1813, yet that excitement was gone with the creation of the German Confederation, which not turned out as the german nationalliberals hoped for.[18] Although during the rise of German Nationalism in the mid-19th century, the Holsteinians became embarrassed with the Oldenburg monarch's desition to join forces with Napoleon, and the Holsteinian nationalists portaited themselves as victims, who were prevented from fighting with their German brothers[18][24] This, along with the Danification attempt of Holstein, made the Holsteinian elite look more to the south.[25]
The Napoleonic wars were costly for Denmark and destabilised the build-up of Helstatspatriotisme.[18] The German-speaking minority went from 25% to 40% after 1815, which meant that Germans were now, not just a small minority in a bigger and more multicultural realm, but a noteable minority and rival to the Danish-speaking population, which led to Schleswig–Holstein question[19][20]
1815-1847
Denmark exchanged Swedish Pomerania in turn for Saxe-Lauenburg from Prussia.[30] This meant a further enlargement of German culture in the realm. This is also the time of the Danish Golden Age, which sought to Romantisize Danish nature, culture and nationality.[31] The movement became relevant after the national emergancies the nation faced during the 1810s and glorified Danish history.[31] What layed under the "golden age" of Denmark, were an impoverished society. King Frederick, who had a clear goal to preserve to Helstat with Norway, became more authoritarian, giving up his liberal worldview he had during his rule as Prince regent.[32] Although as the economic depression eased in 1830s, Frederick accepted a minor democratic innovation of regional assemblies in 1834, which unintentedly lead to civil debate and Social polarization in Schleswig between Danes and Germans.[32]
Unrest
1848-1863
First Schleswig War
Creation of the Danish Constitution
Aftermath of the Revolution of 1848
The Constitution for The Unitary State and The June Constitution
Constitutional disputes
The November Constituion
Dissolution, 1864-1866
Aftermath of the November Constitution
Second Schleswig War
Aftermath and The Revised Constitution (1866)
Creation of the National State
Footnotes
References
- ^ Betrachtungen über den dänischen Gesammtstaat (in German). Hamburg. 1857. p. 24.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Degn, Jens (1999). Hvad er helstaten? [What is the unitary state?] (in Danish). Fortid og Nutid. pp. 220–226.
- ^ "helstat". Den Danske Ordbog.
- ^ "helstat". Det Norske Akedemis Ordbok.
- ^ a b Holm, Edward (1885). Danmark-Norges indre Historie 1660-1720 (in Danish). Copenhagen: Forlaget for Universitetsboghandler. p. 72.
- ^ a b Olsen, Albert (1936). Danmark-Norge i det 18. Aarhundred [Denmark-Norway the 19th century] (in Danish). Gyldendal. pp. 75, 143.
- ^ a b c Jensen, Hans (1938). Dansk-norsk Vekselvirkning i det 18. Aarhundrede (in Danish). Fortid og Nutid.
- ^ la Cour, Vilhelm (1943). Mellem brødre [Between Brothers] (in Danish). Eget.
- ^ Fedbæk, Ole. Danmark-Norge 1380-1814 (in Danish). Vol. IV. p. 381.
- ^ Arup, Erik (1903). Den finansielle side af erhvervelsen af hertugdømmerne 1460-1487 [The financial side of the acquisition of the duchies 1460-1487] (in Danish). Historisk Tidsskrift.
- ^ Hansen, Hans. Arkiver fra hertugdømmerne Slesvig og Holsten indtil 1864. Historisk Tidsskrift.
- ^ a b Bjørn, Claus. "Helstaten". Den store Danske.
- ^ a b Den Store Danske Encyklopædi, bd. 8, 1997, s. 370
- ^ Statsrådets forhandlinger 1848-63. Vol. III. p. 96.
- ^ Dahl, Christian (1999). dagbog fra Den grundlovgivende Rigsforsamling 1848-49. Claus Bjørn and Christian Larsen.
- ^ Povl, Bagge. Danske politiske breve fra 1830erne og 1840ern. Vol. I.
- ^ Molbech, Christian (1859). Ordbog over det danske Sprog (in Danish). Private. p. 895.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r NATIONALSTATEN (PDF) (in Danish). Roskilde Universitet. pp. 36–46.
- ^ a b c Feldbæk, Ole. Fædreland og Indfødsret. 1700-tallets danske identitet (in Danish). Vol. I. p. 137.
- ^ a b c Winge, Vibeke (1991). Tyskerfejden 1789-1790 [The German Fued 1789-1790] (in Danish). Vol. II.
- ^ Geisler, Jens (2022). "Juleaftensfejden". Dansk Militærhistorie.
- ^ "Indfødsretten". Den Store Danske (in Danish). Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ a b c d Frandsen, Steen. "Holstens indlemmelse 1806". Graenseforeningen.
- ^ a b c d e f g Frandsen, Steen (2008). Holsten i helstaten (in Danish). Historisk Tidsskrift. pp. 330–340.
- ^ a b Glenthøj, Rasmus (2012). Skilsmissen. Dansk og norsk identitet før og efter 1814 (in Danish). Syddansk Universitetsforlag. p. 181.
- ^ Gøbel, Erik. Danske oversøiske handelskompagnier i 17. og 18. århundrede. En forskningsoversigt (PDF).
- ^ "Freden i Kiel 14. januar 1814". danmarkshistorien.dk.
- ^ Rasmussen, Hertel. Dansk udenrigspolitik 1812-1813. Historisk Tidsskrift.
- ^ Blomes depeche herom. Danske Magazin. p. 72.
- ^ grosstuchen.de Prussian payment for Swedish Pomerania
- ^ a b Kulturnet Danmark, Guide to the Danish Golden Age Archived 2006-01-10 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b Jon Gunnar Arntzen. "Frederik 6". Norsk biografisk leksikon. Retrieved 15 August 2016.