The Schleswig-Holstein Border Issue: A Legacy of War and Identity

Since the peace of 1945, the Danish-German border in Schleswig-Holstein has remained unchanged. This article explores the historical context, political dynamics, and identity issues that have contributed to this enduring controversy.

Historical Background and Misconceptions

The idea that Germany is responsible for starting World War I is a common misconception. The Austro-Hungarian Empire and Serbia were the primary causes of the conflict, with disputes among various European powers leading to the involvement of multiple nations. Vicariously, Germany’s actions during this period were part of a complex web of alliances and conflicts, but this does not absolve them of their actions or mistakes.

Minority Status and Identity

In the region of Southern Schleswig, Danish speakers form a minority. According to a 2023 census, only about 50,000 out of the total population of more than 250,000 people identify as Danish. This fact underscores the challenge of changing identity in a territory where mixed cultural and linguistic elements have existed for centuries.

Political Reactions and Party Influence

The Danish People's Party, a political faction advocating for the return of Southern Schleswig to Denmark, has the potential to influence the border issue. However, a German parliamentary report published in 2022 concluded that reconsidering the border through a new election would likely result in the same outcome. This reflects the current status quo where the sentiment among the majority aligns with the existing border arrangement.

National Unity and the Fate of Germany

Germany’s path to national unity was paved through history, not solely through a territorially integrated nation. The unification came about gradually, and the outcome of two World Wars further accentuated the complex nature of national identity. Post-World War II, the decision to incorporate all Germans within the borders of Germany was driven by pragmatic considerations, including the need to stabilize the region and prevent the resurgence of aggressive nationalism.

Post-War Demographics and Political Dynamics

After World War II, Denmark’s political elite entertained the idea of regaining Southern Schleswig without a referendum. They were driven by two key concerns: fear of a future aggressive German resurgence and the assumption that a German minority in the region would remain disloyal. These concerns, which were partly shaped by historical experiences with Nazi Germany, contributed to the current border status.

The collapse of Germany led to a significant shift in regional identity. North of the Danevirke wall, the population faced a moral defeat, leading many with Danish names and family histories to reconsider their identity. The influx of refugees from Eastern Germany, with their distinct cultural backgrounds, further complicated this reevaluation. Some trade unionists and Social Democrats even saw aligning with a "Scandinavian" identity as a political ideal, contrasting with continued German integration.

International Context and Border Decision

Notably, the Soviet Union had a strategic interest in obtaining control of the Kiel Canal by supporting Danish annexation. Despite this, the Danish Communist Party leaders opposed this move, fearing large Nazi elements and the militarily motivated approach to ethnic homogeneity. The United Kingdom and the United States were more pragmatic, aiming to maintain a status quo and prevent the exploitation of the region by the Soviet Union.

Post-war, the British sought to suppress Danish political activity for a time, before offering a take-it-or-leave-it border agreement. This decision was made amidst the refugee crisis and the need to find stable territories, which explains why discussions about the border settlement remained open. The population dynamics after the war transformation, particularly the influx of refugees, ultimately solidified the current border status, making it more "generic North German" than ethnically Danish.

Conclusion

The enduring Schleswig-Holstein border issue is a testament to the complex interplay between history, political maneuvering, and identity. While the border has remained unchanged since 1945, the underlying tensions and shifting identities in the region continue to influence diplomatic relations and national sentiments on both sides of the border.