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Schleswig-Holstein Uplands

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The Kiel Canal ( German : Nord-Ostsee-Kanal , lit.   'North–East Sea–Canal', formerly the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal ) is a 98-kilometer-long (61 mi) fresh water canal that links the North Sea ( Nordsee ) to the Baltic Sea ( Ostsee ). It runs through the German state of Schleswig-Holstein , from Brunsbüttel to the Holtenau district of Kiel . It was constructed from 1887-95 and widened from 1907-14. In addition to the two sea entrances, at Oldenbüttel the Kiel Canal is linked to the navigable River Eider by the short Gieselau Canal .

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82-736: The Schleswig-Holstein Uplands or Schleswig-Holstein Morainic Uplands (German: Schleswig-Holsteinisches Hügelland ) is one of the three landscapes of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein ; the others being the marsch (on the North Sea coast) and the geest (in the interior). In addition, the gently rolling hills or Hügelland of the Baltic Uplands , the many small lakes and the long, deep embayments ( Förde ) formed by

164-576: A referendum on whether to remain under Prussian rule or return to Danish rule. This condition, however, was never fulfilled by Prussia. During the decades of Prussian rule within the German Empire , authorities attempted a Germanisation policy in the northern part of Schleswig, which remained predominantly Danish. The period also meant increased industrialisation of Schleswig-Holstein and the use of Kiel and Flensburg as important Imperial German Navy locations. The northernmost part and west coast of

246-588: A chance in such a scenario. Therefore, they pressured the Prime Minister to call for new elections , where the Liberal Party did not secure enough votes to form a government. The Social Democrats won the election with a minority government and could not gather a strong enough mandate for the incorporation of South Schleswig. This outcome created outrage within the Danish population and was considered

328-484: A duke within the Holy Roman Empire. Both were ruled for several centuries by the kings of Denmark. In 1721, all of Schleswig was united into a single duchy under the king of Denmark, and the great powers of Europe confirmed in an international treaty that all future kings of Denmark should automatically become dukes of Schleswig: consequently, Schleswig would always follow the order of succession that applied in

410-834: A member of the German Confederation . These demands were rejected by the Danish government in 1848, and the Germans of Holstein and Southern Schleswig rebelled. This began the First Schleswig War (1848–51). Against unbelievable odds, Denmark emerged victorious, managing to politically outmaneuver the German alliance by garnering support from the British Empire , the Russian Empire and the Second French Empire while defeating

492-534: A million refugees . Today, Schleswig-Holstein's economy is known for its agriculture, such as its Holstein cows . Its position on the Atlantic Ocean makes it a major trade point and shipbuilding site; it is also the location of the Kiel Canal . Its offshore oil wells and wind farms produce significant amounts of energy. Fishing is a major industry and the basis of its distinctive unique local cuisine. It

574-847: A natural decrease of −8,459. The region has been strongly Protestant since the time of the Protestant Reformation . It is proportionally the most Protestant of the sixteen modern states. In 2018, members of the Protestant Church in Germany make up 44.6% of the population, while members of the Catholic Church comprise 6.1%. 49.3% either adhere to other religions or disclaim any practising religious identity. Largest groups of foreign residents by 31 December 2023 Schleswig-Holstein combines Danish, Frisian and German aspects of culture. The castles and manors in

656-438: A result, Danish students, future administrators, clergy, and educators were taught in German and continued to use the language throughout their professional lives. In 1814, mandatory schooling was instituted, and was taught in German. This created generations of Danish children who learned German from an early age. Their schooling was conducted in German, they heard sermons in German, and when they grew up, their interactions with

738-514: A scandal. Due to the forced migrations of Germans between 1944 and 1950 , Schleswig-Holstein took in almost a million refugees after the war, increasing its population by 33%. A pro-Danish political movement arose in Schleswig, with transfer of the area to Denmark as an ultimate goal. This was supported neither by the British occupation administration nor the Danish government. In 1955,

820-458: A third zone covering a southern area, but zone III was cancelled again and never voted, as the Danish government asked the commission not to expand the plebiscite to this area. In zone I covering Northern Schleswig (10 February 1920), 75% voted for reunification with Denmark and 25% voted for Germany. In zone II covering central Schleswig (14 March 1920), the results were reversed; 80% voted for Germany and just 20% for Denmark. Only minor areas on

902-481: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Schleswig-Holstein Schleswig-Holstein ( German: [ˌʃleːsvɪç ˈhɔlʃtaɪn] ; Danish : Slesvig-Holsten [ˌsle̝ːsvi ˈhʌlˌste̝ˀn] ; Low German : Sleswig-Holsteen ; North Frisian : Slaswik-Holstiinj ) is the northernmost of the 16 states of Germany , comprising most of the historical Duchy of Holstein and

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984-496: Is a popular tourist destination for Germans and visitors from across the globe. The term "Holstein" derives from Old Saxon Holseta Land, ( Holz means wood in modern Standardized German; holt is a now-archaic English word for woods.) Originally, the term referred to the central of the three Saxon tribes north of the River Elbe : Tedmarsgoi ( Dithmarschen ), Holstein and Sturmarii ( Stormarn ). The area inhabited by

1066-613: Is an annual event, except for 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID19-Pandemic . It took place again in June 2022. The annual Wacken Open Air festival is considered to be the largest heavy metal rock festival in the world. The coat of arms shows the symbols of the two duchies united in Schleswig-Holstein, i.e., the two lions for Schleswig and the leaf of nettle for Holstein. Supposedly, Otto von Bismarck decreed that

1148-669: Is elected by the Landtag of Schleswig-Holstein . State elections were held on 8 May 2022 . The current government is a coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and The Greens , led by Minister-President Daniel Günther . Schleswig-Holstein has an aging population. Since 1972 there has been a decrease in the natural rate of population change. In 2016 the total fertility rate reached 1.61, highest value in 40 years (the average value being 1.4). In 2016 there were 25,420 births and 33,879 deaths, resulting in

1230-522: Is in Denmark ( South Jutland County , Region of Southern Denmark ). The state of Schleswig-Holstein further consists of Holstein, as well as Lauenburg and the formerly independent city of Lübeck. Schleswig-Holstein borders Denmark ( Southern Denmark ) to the north, the North Sea to the west, the Baltic Sea to the east, and the German states of Lower Saxony , Hamburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to

1312-796: Is the Bungsberg at 168 metres or 551 feet) and many lakes are found, especially in the eastern part of Holstein called the Holstein Switzerland and the former Duchy of Lauenburg ( Herzogtum Lauenburg ). The longest river besides the Elbe is the Eider . Schleswig-Holstein has the lowest quota of forest covered area, it is only 11.0% (national average 32.0%), which is even lower than in the city-states of Hamburg and Bremen . The German Islands of Sylt , Föhr , Pellworm , Amrum , Heligoland and Fehmarn are part of Schleswig-Holstein, with

1394-624: The German Confederation , invoking the Treaty of Ribe stating that the two duchies should stay "Forever Undivided". The Danes on the other hand, furthered the Eider Policy ( da:Ejderpolitikken ), stating that the natural Danish border was the Eider (river) as first recognised in the Treaty of Heiligen . Therefore, the Danes sought to reintegrate Schleswig into the Kingdom of Denmark , reversing

1476-639: The Holy Roman Emperor . Around 1100, the Duchy of Saxony gave Holstein to Count Adolf I of Schauenburg . During the Migration Period , the Jutland peninsula was home to several tribes. The Jutes inhabitted the most northern part of the peninsula from Grenen to Olger's Dyke  [ de ] . This dyke, dating back to around the first century, served as the boundary between

1558-523: The Hærvejen (Heerweg/Armyway), the main trade route running through the peninsula. Saxons, Wagrians, and Danes alike used the Hærvejen to trade goods such as honey, furs, amber, glass, metalwork, and other commodities, such as livestock, with cattle and oxen being particularly important. Especially the Danes developed a thriving livestock breeding industry, driving large herds along the Hærvejen to sell on

1640-649: The Limes Saxoniae as a border with the Obotrites. This agreement established firm boundaries between the Franks, Obotrites, and Danes, securing peace in the region. Between 500 and 1200, Schleswig was an integral part of Denmark, but during the 12th century, Duke Abel of Schlewig came into conflict with his brother King Eric IV . Abel managed to gain autonomy from his brother, making Schleswig an autonomous duchy. Later, Abel had Eric assassinated and seized

1722-700: The Region of Southern Denmark ) in Denmark . Schleswig was under Danish control during the Viking Age , but in the 12th century it became a duchy within Denmark. It bordered Holstein, which was a part of the Holy Roman Empire . Beginning in 1460, the King of Denmark ruled both Schleswig and Holstein as their duke. Schleswig was still part of Denmark, while Holstein remained part of the Holy Roman Empire. In

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1804-589: The Second Schleswig War (1864), Prussia and Austria won and the territory was absorbed into Prussia in 1867. After the German defeat in World War I, the Allies required that the question of sovereignty over the territory be submitted to plebiscites (the 1920 Schleswig plebiscites ), which resulted in the return of some of the territory to Denmark. After World War II, Schleswig-Holstein took in over

1886-508: The Treaty of Versailles required the canal to be open to vessels of commerce and of war of any nation at peace with Germany, while leaving it under German administration. (The United States opposed this proposal to avoid setting a precedent for similar concessions on the Panama Canal . ) The government under Adolf Hitler repudiated its international status in 1936, but the canal was reopened to all traffic after World War II . In 1948,

1968-651: The 1852 London Protocol. This left Denmark politically isolated and led to the Second Schleswig War , with Prussia and Austria invading once again. This was the Second War of Schleswig . Denmark achieved some initial victories at the Battles of Mysunde , and Sankelmark , but these successes were short-lived. The Austrians defeated the Danes at the Königshügel and Vejle . However, it was the Prussians who decided

2050-496: The 19th century, Danes and Germans each believed they had a claim to Schleswig-Holstein, the population of which was majority ethnic German. The resulting long-term political and territorial dispute was known as the Schleswig-Holstein Question . In 1848, Denmark tried to formally annex the area. Prussia responded by invading, thus beginning the First Schleswig War , which ended in a victory for Denmark. But in

2132-650: The Danes began constructing the Danevirke . Originally built as a dyke, it was gradually expanded into a 30-kilometer earthwork with a palisade fortification, forming a barrier between the Danes and their southern neighbors. The Danevirke was strategically positioned at the most narrow point of the peninsula, with its eastern end beginning at the Treene River and extending to the Schlei Bay . This fortification served to deter Saxon and Wagrian raids while enabling

2214-478: The Danes to launch their own raids into southern territories. It would remain in use until 1864, being expanded and adapted to the changing military needs of the Danes multiple times. The establishment of the Danevirke not only helped to prevent Saxon and Wagrian raids into Danish territory but also served as a toll station. Danish chieftains would collect fees from traders, merchants, and peasants traveling along

2296-594: The Danevirke, assembled a fleet, mustered an army, and launched attacks on the Obotrites and later Frankish Frisia. But he was slain, either by one of his huscarls or possibly his own illegitimate son, on the Frisian campaign. The new Danish king, Hemming , Gudfred's nephew, initiated peace talks, which resulted in the Treaty of Heiligen in 810. The treaty established the Danish border at the Eider River. Charlemagne retained Saxony, including Holstein, and established

2378-549: The Danish South Schleswig Association had sent the government a formal request for incorporation. However, the dominating Social Liberal Party feared that Denmark might again face destructive wars like the two Schleswig Wars once Germany recovered from World War II. Given that the Germans had conquered Denmark in six hours during the German invasion of Denmark , they believed Denmark would not stand

2460-636: The Danish language in Schleswig (the dominant language in almost a quarter of Schleswig had changed from Danish to German since the beginning of the 19th century). A liberal constitution for Holstein was not seriously considered in Copenhagen , since it was well known that the political élite of Holstein were more conservative than Copenhagen's. Representatives of German-minded Schleswig-Holsteiners demanded that Schleswig and Holstein be unified and allowed its own constitution and that Schleswig join Holstein as

2542-534: The Danish state or to forcibly expel them from South Schleswig, as was being done to Germans in Eastern Europe . Denmark's then Prime Minister, the Liberal Party's Knud Kristensen , enthusiastically accepted the offer of South Schleswig reunification with Denmark. A survey showed that 75% of the Danish population supported the incorporation, 500,000 signatures had been collected in support of it and

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2624-738: The Franks until his death. Now, the Frisians' neighbors, the Saxons, faced Frankish expansion. The casus belli was a Saxon raid on the church in Deventer in January of 772. This conflict, fueled by Charlemagne 's desire to conquer the Saxons and convert them from their belief in the Germanic pantheon to Christianity , used the Deventer raid as a pretext to wage a war that would ultimately reshape

2706-799: The German and Danish governments issued the Bonn-Copenhagen Declarations confirming the rights of the ethnic minorities on both sides of the border. Conditions between the nationalities have since been stable and generally respectful. Schleswig-Holstein lies on the base of Jutland Peninsula between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea . Strictly speaking, "Schleswig" refers to the German Southern Schleswig (German: Südschleswig or Landesteil Schleswig , Danish : Sydslesvig ), whereas Northern Schleswig

2788-568: The Germanic pagan world. It has been postulated that Irminsul symbolised Yggdrasil Ash - the world tree. Charlemagne then destroyed all Saxon settlements up to the Wesser river. After defeating the Saxons and securing hostages , he turned his attention to northern Italy . For centuries, the Danes and Saxons had regarded each other as kindred peoples, sharing the same belief in the Germanic pantheon and frequently intermarrying, especially among

2870-653: The Germans at the Battles of Bov , the Dybbøl , the Fredericia and Isted . However, under pressure from the Great Powers , led by Tsar Alexander III , who had forced Prussia and Austria out of Denmark, the Danes were not permitted to reintegrate Schleswig into Denmark. Alexander thereby sought to preserve the existing European order,in accordance with the principles established by the Concert of Europe . This led to

2952-640: The Jutes in the north and the Angles in the south. This dyke lost its relevance in the 200s when the Angles expanded northward, leading to the establishment of a new dyke called the Wendish Dyke  [ da ] . The southern border of the Angles was marked by the marshes surrounding the Eider , that combined with the dense old-growth forrest to the south of the river, formed a natural barrier. South of

3034-551: The Jutes, Angles, and Saxons depart from their homelands to settle in the British Isles . This mass exodus left much of the Jutland Peninsula sparsely populated, allowing the Danes from southern Scandinavia and the islands of Zealand , Funen , and other smaller Danish isles to migrate into the peninsula. They gradually settled the region, integrating the remaining Jutes and Angles who had not left for Britain. By

3116-855: The Kingdom of Denmark. Following the Protestant Reformation, German was established as the language of commerce, administration, education, and clergy in Schleswig despite the population being ethnically Danish. This was because Schleswig were managed by the German Chancellery, in Kiel, which was later renamed the Schleswig-Holstein Chancellery in 1806. Therefore, Danes were sent to Kiel for their education instead of Copenhagen, where they received their education in German rather than their native Danish. As

3198-564: The Name of the agency using the logo is shown or the motto "Der echte Norden" (Germany's true North). Kiel Canal An average of 460 km (290 mi) is saved by using the Kiel Canal instead of going around the Jutland Peninsula . This saves time and fuel, avoids storm-prone seas, and avoids passing through the Danish straits . The Kiel Canal is one of the world's most frequented artificial waterways with an annual average of 32,000 ships (90 daily), transporting approximately 100 million tonnes of goods. The first connection between

3280-460: The North Sea without the need to sail around Denmark . In June 1887, construction started at Holtenau , near Kiel. The canal took over 9,000 workers eight years to build. On 20 June 1895, Kaiser Wilhelm II officially opened the canal for transiting from Brunsbüttel to Holtenau. The next day a ceremony took place in Holtenau, where Wilhelm II named the waterway the Kaiser Wilhelm Kanal (after his grandfather, Kaiser Wilhelm I ), and laid

3362-408: The North and Baltic Seas was constructed while the area was ruled by Denmark–Norway . It was called the Eider Canal and used stretches of the Eider River for the link between the two seas. Completed during the reign of Christian VII of Denmark in 1784, the Eiderkanal was a 43 km (27 mi) part of a 175 km (109 mi) waterway from Kiel to the Eider River's mouth at Tönning on

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3444-446: The Prussian province Schleswig-Holstein came under British occupation . On 23 August 1946, the military government abolished the province and reconstituted it as a separate Land . On 9 September 1946, the British and Soviets offered Denmark South Schleswig, in the Septembernote  [ de ] . In this note, they gave Denmark carte blanche on how to deal with the German-speaking South Schleswigers, whether to integrate them into

3526-521: The administration and business were conducted in German. Additionally, if Danes didn't learn German, they couldn't communicate with the administration, which often cared little if the citizens were able to understand them. Therefore, if the Danes weren't able to speak German, they were effectively frozen out of any official matters. As a result, a language shift slowly began forming in South Schleswig and gradually spread north, which alarmed Copenhagen. The Danish authorities started taking countermeasures to halt

3608-456: The canal on eleven fixed links . The bridges have a clearance of 42 m (138 ft) allowing for ship heights up to 40 m (130 ft). The oldest bridge still in use is the Levensau High Bridge from 1893; however, the bridge will be replaced in the course of a canal expansion already underway. In sequence and in the direction of the official kilometre count from west (Brunsbüttel) to east (Holtenau) these crossings are: Local traffic

3690-432: The city of Schleswig . The word Schleswig is a German transliteration of the Danish word Slesvig, which consists of two words: Schlei and vig. The Schlei refers to the river at which the city lies, and vig means " inlet " or bay. Schleswig therefore means (in Danish): "The bay at the river Schlei". The Schlei is known as Slien in Danish and is believed to have been used only for the inner Slien (the Great and Little Bay near

3772-419: The city of Schleswig). The word is thought to be related to Slæ, which means reeds and aquatic plants found in this area. The Duchy of Schleswig , or Southern Jutland, was originally an integral part of Denmark, but in medieval times was established as a fief under the control of the Kingdom of Denmark, having the same relationship with the Danish Crown as, for example, Brandenburg or Bavaria had with

3854-437: The continent. This trade gave the route its alternative names, such as "Studevejen" (Cattle Way) in Danish and "Ochsenweg" (Oxen Way) in German. Therefore control of the Danevirke, through which the Hærvejen ran, was of immense financial significance. Whoever controlled the gates of Danevirke also controlled the trade along the Hærvejen, giving them access to substantial wealth. After approximately 350 to 400 years of Danes being

3936-483: The countryside are the best example for this tradition; some dishes like Rødgrød (German: Rote Grütze , literal English "red grits " or "red groats ") are also shared, as well as surnames such as Hansen . The most important festivals are the Kiel Week, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival , an annual classic music festival all over the state, and the Lübeck Nordic Film Days , an annual film festival for movies from Scandinavian countries, held in Lübeck. The Kiel Week

4018-407: The current name was adopted. The canal was partially closed for a period in March 2013 after two lock gates failed at the western end near Brunsbüttel. Ships larger than 125 m (410 ft) were forced to navigate via Skagerrak , a 450 km (280 mi) detour. The failure was blamed on neglect and a lack of funding by the German Federal Government , which had been in financial dispute with

4100-426: The division did not last long, since Prussia annexed Holstein in 1867, after its victory in the Austro-Prussian War . Contrary to the hopes of German Schleswig-Holsteiners, the area did not gain its independence, but was annexed as a province of Prussia in 1867. Also following the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, section five of the Peace of Prague stipulated that the people of Northern Schleswig would be consulted in

4182-402: The duchy of Holstein to the head of the (German-oriented) branch of the Danish royal family, the House of Augustenborg , was more controversial. The separation of the two duchies was challenged by the Augustenborg heir, who claimed, as in 1848, to be rightful heir of both Schleswig and Holstein. A common constitution for Denmark and Schleswig was promulgated in November 1863, which was a breach of

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4264-470: The elite. Thus, the defeated Saxon warleader Widukind sought refuge with his father-in-law, Danish king Sigfred . The Royal Frankish Annals mention that Widukind received substantial aid from Sigfred, though the exact nature of this aid is not explicitly stated. However, the chronicles do note that Sigfred and Charlemagne brokered a peace agreement some years later, indicating that Sigfred, upon hearing Widukind's plea, may have mustered his army and joined

4346-419: The final stone. British director Birt Acres filmed the opening of the canal; the Science Museum in London preserves surviving footage of this early film. The first vessel to pass through the canal was the aviso SMS  Jagd , sent through in late April (before the canal officially opened) to determine if it was ready for use. In May, the tender Otter also passed through the canal. To cope with

4428-422: The forest lay the region now known as Holstein, which was divided between the Germanic Saxons , who inhabited the western part, and the Slavic Wagri , who lived in the eastern part. In the 8th century, the Wagri would become part of the Slavic tribal confederation known as the Obotrites . (Also known as the Wends by the Danes and Saxons). During the 4th and early 5th centuries, a significant migration saw

4510-400: The increasing traffic and the demands of the Imperial German Navy , between 1907 and 1914 the canal was widened by Germany to allow dreadnought battleships to pass through, allowing them to travel between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea without having to go around Denmark. Two larger canal locks in Brunsbüttel and Holtenau were installed to complete the enlargement. After World War I ,

4592-455: The island of Föhr showed a Danish majority, and the rest of the Danish vote was primarily in the town of Flensburg. On 15 June 1920, Northern Schleswig officially returned to Danish rule. The Danish/German border was the only one of the borders imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I that was never challenged by Adolf Hitler . In 1937, the Nazis passed the so-called Greater Hamburg Act ( Groß-Hamburg-Gesetz ), where

4674-417: The language shift by banning German in all official matters in Schleswig, which only served to create tensions between Danes and Germans. This language strife significantly contributed to shaping the inhabitants' national sentiments during a time of national unrest in Europe. It is also during this period that we see surname changes, such as from Jørgensen to Jürgensen or Nielsen to Nilsen, in South Schleswig. By

4756-415: The latter being the largest and the only Island of Schleswig-Holstein located on the east coast. Heligoland is Germany's only high-sea island. Schleswig-Holstein is divided into 11 Kreise (Districts) and four Kreisfreie Städte (Urban Districts). Schleswig-Holstein has its own parliament and government which are located in the state capital Kiel. The Minister-President of Schleswig-Holstein

4838-462: The maximum width ( beam ) of 32.50 m (106.6 ft); these ships can have a draught of up to 7.00 m (22.97 ft). Ships up to a length of 160.00 m (524.93 ft) may have a draught up to 9.50 m (31.2 ft). The bulker Ever Leader (deadweight 74001 t) is considered to be the cargo ship that to date has come closest to the overall limits. Several railway lines and federal roads ( Autobahnen and Bundesstraßen ) cross

4920-439: The mid 5th century, the Danes had established settlements from Grenen in the north to just north of the Eider River and its marshes. Their southernmost settlements being around Schwansen , Hedeby and Husum , mirroring the same southern border as their Angle predecessors. As raiding was a frequent practice among the Danes, Saxons, and Wagrians, the borderlands was a hostile and unsafe area to inhabit. In response to these threats,

5002-471: The moraines of the Weichselian Ice Age are characteristic features of the area. Its best-known towns are Kiel , Lübeck and Flensburg . The highest elevation in the area is the Bungsberg in the region known as Holstein Switzerland ( Holsteinische Schweiz ). On the Bungsberg is the only ski lift in the state (not permanently installed). The Schleswig-Holstein Upland comprises the following sub-regions: This Schleswig-Holstein location article

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5084-427: The nearby Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg was expanded, to encompass towns that had formerly belonged to the Prussian province of Schleswig-Holstein . To compensate Prussia for these losses (and partly because Hitler had a personal dislike for Lübeck ), the 711-year-long independence of the Hansestadt Lübeck came to an end, and almost all its territory was incorporated into Schleswig-Holstein. After World War II ,

5166-417: The passing of oncoming ships. Larger ships may also be required to moor at the bollards provided at intervals along the canal to allow the passage of oncoming vessels. Special rules apply to pleasure craft. All permanent, fixed bridges crossing the canal since its construction have a clearance of 42 m (138 ft). Maximum length for ships passing the Kiel Canal is 235.50 m (772.6 ft), with

5248-493: The political and cultural landscape of what would later become Holstein forever. Over the course of 18 campaigns, carried out in three phases over 32 years, Charlemagne aimed to subdue the Saxons and forcibly convert them to Christianity, in what became known as the Saxon Wars . In retaliation for the raid on the church in Deventer, Charlemagne ordered his troops to destroy the holy pillar Irminsul , near Paderborn in either 772 or 773—a notorious act that sent shockwaves throughout

5330-442: The province saw a wave of emigration to America, while some Danes of North Schleswig emigrated to Denmark. Following the defeat of Germany in World War I , the Allied powers arranged a plebiscite in northern and central Schleswig . The plebiscite was conducted under the auspices of an international commission which designated two voting zones to cover the northern and south-central parts of Schleswig. Steps were taken to also create

5412-509: The region was referred to as Uthlande (Outland). In these settlements, the Frisians established fishing and trading stations. The local Danes soon became a minority and, over time, assimilated into the Frisian population. The Frisians contributed to the broader Hærvejen trade network, with sea routes extending along the Frisian and Dutch coasts, supplying high-quality salt, fish, and other maritime goods. Moreover, they were particularly active in trade with East Anglia in England , where pottery

5494-497: The separation created by King Abel, while also granting Holstein independence to join the German Confederation as a sovereign entity. The resulting long-term political and territorial dispute was known as the Schleswig-Holstein Question . Holstein was entirely German-speaking, while Schleswig was predominantly Danish-speaking until the late 1700 and early 1800s. During this period, a linguistic shift began in southern Schleswig, transitioning from Danish to German. This meant that Schleswig

5576-411: The signing of the 1852 London Protocol , which failed to provide a solution to the issue and merely upheld the status quo. In 1863, conflict broke out again when Frederick VII died without legitimate issue. According to the order of succession of Denmark and Schleswig, the crowns of both Denmark and Schleswig would pass to Duke Christian of Glücksburg , who became Christian IX . The transmission of

5658-400: The sole inhabitants north of the Eider, the Frisians arrived in two waves, the first of which occurred in the 800s. They came from Frisia and initially settled on the islands of Heligoland , Sylt , Föhr and Amrum in the southwestern part of Jutland. Later, they expanded to Eiderstedt and the Jutish coastline. These areas eventually became known as North Frisia , though historically,

5740-478: The south. In the western part of the state, the lowlands have virtually no hills. The North Frisian Islands , as well as almost all of Schleswig-Holstein's North Sea coast, form the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park ( Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer ) which is the largest national park in Central Europe. The Baltic Sea coast in the east of Schleswig-Holstein is marked by bays, fjords , and cliff lines. Rolling hills (the highest elevation

5822-455: The southern part of the former Duchy of Schleswig . Its capital city is Kiel ; other notable cities are Lübeck and Flensburg . It covers an area of 15,763 km (6,086 sq mi), making it the 5th smallest German federal state by area (including the city-states). Historically, the name can also refer to a larger region, containing both present-day Schleswig-Holstein and the former South Jutland County (Northern Schleswig; now part of

5904-441: The state of Schleswig-Holstein regarding the canal. Germany's Federal Transport Ministry promised rapid repairs. The canal is governed by detailed traffic rules. Each vessel using the canal is categorized into one of six traffic groups according to its dimensions. Larger ships are obliged to accept pilots and specialized canal helmsmen, in some cases even the assistance of a tugboat . Furthermore, there are regulations regarding

5986-408: The throne. Despite this, Schleswig remained an autonomous duchy within the Kingdom, setting the stage for future conflicts. Beginning in 1460, both the Duchy of Schleswig and Duchy of Holstein , were ruled together by the Danish king, who acted as the duke of both regions. Holstein being a duchy within the Holy Roman Empire created a situation where the Danish king was sovereign of Denmark but also

6068-595: The time of the First Schleswig War, one-third of Schleswig and half of South Schleswig spoke German as their first language. By the time of the Second Schleswig War in 1864, half of Schleswig and the vast majority of South Schleswig spoke German as their first language. In the 19th century, fueled by nationalism both Danes and Germans claimed Schleswig-Holstein. The Germans wanted both Schleswig and Holstein to separate from Denmark and join

6150-684: The tribe of the Holsts lay between the Stör River and Hamburg ; after Christianization , their main church was in Schenefeld . Saxon Holstein became a part of the Holy Roman Empire after Charlemagne 's Saxon campaigns in the late eighth century. Beginning in 811, the northern border of Holstein (and thus of the Empire) was the River Eider . The term "Schleswig" originally referred to

6232-506: The two lions were to face the nettle because of the discomfort to their bottoms which would have resulted if the lions faced away from it. Government agencies of Schleswig-Holsteins are using a logo showing a stylized version of the Schleswig Lions and the Holstein nettle combined with the abbreviation of Schleswig-Holstein "SH". Written either below or to the right of the lion and the nettle is "Schleswig-Holstein" below which either

6314-580: The war by decisively winning the pivotal Battles of Dybbøl and Als . British attempts to mediate in the London Conference of 1864 failed. With the peace Treaty of Vienna (1864) , Denmark was forced to cede Schleswig to Prussia and Holstein to Austria. The two victors divided the duchies despite their casus belli being the defence of the German-speaking Schleswig-Holsteiners' wish to remain unified. But

6396-623: The war on the side of the Saxons. In response to the Danes' involvement in the war, Charlemagne seems to have recruited the Obotrites by promising them the Saxon portion of Holstein. This alliance with Charlemagne shifted the balance of power in the region. In 782, after another defeat of the Saxons, Charlemagne ordered the mass execution of 4,500 Saxons, an atrocity that became known as the Massacre of Verden . Following this brutal act, Charlemagne

6478-459: The west coast. It was only 29 m (95 ft) wide with a depth of 3 m (9.8 ft), which limited the vessels that could use the canal to 300 tonnes . After 1864, the Second Schleswig War put Schleswig-Holstein under the government of Prussia (from 1871 the German Empire ). A new canal was sought by merchants and by the German navy , which wanted to link its bases in the Baltic and

6560-572: Was exchanged in large quantities. Normalcy in the area vanished with the expansion of the Frankish Empire into Saxony from 772 to 804, triggering a generational war on an unprecedented scale for the region. Prior to this, the Franks had spent nearly 20 years, from the late 600s to the early 700s, subjugating and converting the Frisian Kingdom . Their primary opponent was the formidable Frisian king Redbad , who fiercely resisted

6642-457: Was linguistically divided with a Danish-speaking north and a German-speaking south. In 1848, King Frederick VII of Denmark declared that he would grant Denmark a liberal constitution and the immediate goal of the Danish national movement was to ensure that this constitution would give rights to all Danes, i.e. not only to those in the Kingdom of Denmark, but also to Danes (and Germans) living in Schleswig. Furthermore, they demanded protection for

6724-554: Was nicknamed the "Butcher of Saxons" or "Saxonslaughterer." In 796, despite Saxony being fully under Frankish rule, the Saxons rose up once more, supported by the Danes. The rebellion was triggered by forced conscription of Saxons for the Frankish wars against the Avars . Moreover, Charlemagne, in alliance with the Obotrites, planned to subjugate the Danes, now led by King Gudfred Sigfredson . However, Gudfred struck first. He expanded

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