What were the main causes and consequences of the French involvement in the Second Schleswig War?

The Second Schleswig War was fought between Denmark on one side and Prussia and Austria on the other, from 1864 to 1865. While France was not directly involved in the conflict, it played a significant role in the lead-up to the war and its aftermath. The main cause of French involvement was its desire to contain Prussian expansion in Europe, and to maintain the balance of power on the continent.

France feared that a Prussian victory would upset the balance of power and make Prussia too dominant in Europe. To prevent this, France tried to build alliances with other European powers, including Denmark. France provided military and financial support to Denmark, hoping to prevent Prussia and Austria from gaining too much influence in the region.

Despite French support, Denmark lost the war, and the Treaty of Vienna was signed in 1864. As a result of the treaty, Denmark was forced to cede the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg to Prussia and Austria. This led to a shift in the balance of power in Europe, with Prussia emerging as a dominant force.

The consequences of the war were significant for both Denmark and Europe as a whole. The loss of territory was a blow to Danish national pride, and it led to a period of introspection and soul-searching in the country. The war also marked a turning point in European history, as it paved the way for the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership.