Afstrækningen

Afstrækningen, also known as the "withdrawal" or "retreat," is a significant historical event that took place in Denmark during the 19th century. It refers to the Danish government's decision to withdraw its troops from the Duchy of Schleswig, which was then under Danish control. This decision was made in response to the Schleswig-Holstein Question, a complex political and military dispute that arose from the 1848 revolutions in Germany.

The background to the afstrækningen can be traced back to the revolutions of 1848, which led to the establishment of the German Confederation. The Danish government, fearing the spread of revolutionary ideas and the potential loss of control over Schleswig, decided to intervene militarily. Danish troops were sent to Schleswig in 1849, leading to a period of Danish rule known as the "Danish Period."

However, the Danish intervention was not well-received by the local population, and tensions escalated. The Danish government, under pressure from both domestic and international sources, eventually decided to withdraw its troops. The afstrækningen took place in 1851, marking the end of Danish rule in Schleswig.

The withdrawal had significant implications for the region and for Danish politics. It led to the establishment of the Second Schleswig War (1864), which resulted in the loss of Schleswig to Prussia and the creation of the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein. The afstrækningen is often seen as a turning point in Danish history, marking the end of an era of Danish dominance in the region and the beginning of a period of Danish retreat from European affairs.